Guilford Police Discuss Pedestrian and Bike Safety

Shared by the Guilford Police Department feeling like pedestrian and bicycle safety is important for everyone.

Can you spot the bicyclist before it is too late?
This time of year is treacherous for bicyclists, pedestrians and kids out playing. The dark of night is sadly close to 4:30pm when some kids are just arriving home from school, avid bicyclists are gearing up for their pitch black evening rides after work and those of us with dogs know that Fido needs to take a walk.

It's important that all safety measures are taken by those sharing the road. The burden to be seen relies on the pedestrian or bicyclist.

Bright colored, reflective gear is a must along with bright lights to alert drivers of your presence in the roadway. At a minimum, a front headlight and rear reflector is required... but let's face it, we want you to be lit up like a Christmas tree so we can see you.

If there is a sidewalk present, the law states that the pedestrian must use it. You are not supposed to enter a crosswalk until safe to do so... that means make SURE the cars have seen you and are stopped waiting for you to cross BEFORE you enter the roadway.

All bicyclists must abide by the same traffic laws as motor vehicles which includes stopping at stop signs and stop lights.

Bikes need to ride with traffic and pedestrians walk against traffic.... ride with.... walk against... say it with us

Drivers are required to give at least 3 feet of space to pedestrians and bicyclists. If you can't pass safely, wait.

We all want to make it home safely at night. We all have an obligation to make sure we protect ourselves from the drivers that need to be able to see us and drive responsibly to make sure we do see those pedestrians and bicyclists sharing the road with us.

Please make sure you are visible on the roads.... we all want you home safely for the holidays. <3

Thank you for sharing and stay safe!