Whether it’s the price of gas or the taste of Spring in the air, many of us are looking to trade winter driving for walking, biking or rolling to and from work, school, daily activities, or just plain recreation. We at Bike Walk Montana completely agree!
As we transition through the varieties of Montana spring weather and into the use of roads, shared use paths, sidewalks, and trails, it’s worth a minute to review some of the safety aspects of active transportation. And, if you are a parent, to take the time to go over transportation safety with your children.
Walkers and riders need to communicate their intentions with vehicle drivers! Make eye contact before stepping into a crosswalk or crossing a street. Understand a driver needs time to see you and react safely. Motorists can’t read your mind or talk with you; they need visual cues to work with you.
For motorists, please have patience passing cyclists, especially young riders who may be less skilled on the roadway. Give a rider the recommended five feet of clearance as you pass. Don’t honk or yell at a cyclist to get their attention. When approaching a cyclist from behind, treat them as you would any other slow-moving vehicle – slow down to the speed of the cyclist and wait for a safe time to pass.
Here are a few other tips for walking, rolling, or cycling safety:
Pedestrians/rolling transportation:
· Have a light when walking at night.
· Use a sidewalk if one is available. If not, walk/run/roll facing traffic as far to the left as possible.
· Obey traffic signals.
· Drivers are required to yield for pedestrians at intersections regardless if there is a marked crosswalk. But do not assume they see you or will yield right-of-way.
· When crossing mid-block, always yield to the motor vehicle.
· Do not leave the curb and walk into the path of a vehicle that is too close to stop.
Bicyclists:
· Bicycles are legal vehicles in Montana and are governed by the same traffic rules – Same Roads, Same Rules, Same Rights.
· Use hand signals to indicate your intention. Be predictable.
· Ride single file and with the flow of traffic.
· When riding slower than traffic, ride as far to the right as is safely possible. Stay out of the “door zone” when riding next to parked cars.
· Regardless if riding day or night, wear reflective or bright clothing.
· Have a red light on the back of your bike that can be seen from a distance. Vehicles approaching from the rear need to know you are there.
· At night have a bright forward facing white light.
· Bicycles have been on stationary trainers or stored all winter, so consider a tune-up/safety check by taking yours to a local bike shop or do it yourself. Also take a look at your helmet and other gear, maybe it’s time to consider something new!
· Always, WEAR A HELMET!
Whether using motorized transportation or walking, riding or rolling, follow the rules and be extra cautious as we move into Spring. Remember, all of us on the roadways are someone’s family member, friend, or loved one. Let’s Share the Road responsibly and keep each other safe!
Visit https://www.bikewalkmontana.org/ for more information or call (406) 449-2787