Whether you’re out enjoying the sunshine in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot, it’s important to remember that EVERYONE has a responsibility to share the road. This June, as part of our Safer Naper campaign, we’re providing some reminders and tips to keep drivers, cyclists, walkers and runners safe.
Tips for Drivers
Drivers are reminded to turn on vehicle headlights at dusk and be vigilant in looking out for cyclists and pedestrians. Additionally, drivers should:
- Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
- Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
- Yield to pedestrians and cyclists when turning.
- Look before opening your door.
- Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
- Allow three feet when passing bicyclists.
Tips for Cyclists
When traveling on city streets, cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists. This means stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals and lane markings, and using hand signals to let others know your intention to stop or turn. Additionally, cyclists should:
- Be aware of your surroundings. Don’t wear headphones; you need to be able to hear if a car is approaching.
- Slow down and check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection.
- Do your best to anticipate hazards and adjust your position in traffic accordingly.
- Be predictable: ride with the flow of traffic, on the right, and in a straight line – not in and out of parked cars on the side of the street.
- Be visible and wear the proper protective gear. Avoid riding at night.
- Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there (but don’t always expect them to see you).
Bicycles may be ridden on the sidewalks in Naperville unless otherwise posted. However, bicycle riding is not permitted on sidewalks on the Riverwalk or in Downtown Naperville.
Tips for Walkers and Runners
Whether you’re going for an afternoon stroll, commuting to work on foot, or getting some exercise, walking and running are great activities. However, it’s important to pay attention. Pedestrians should keep the following tips in mind:
- Use signaled crosswalks when possible and use extreme caution when crossing at intersections without signals.
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Never run between cars into the street.
- Wear clothing that allows drivers to see you. That means no dark clothes after sundown or early in the morning.
- Exercising outdoors at dusk or at night can be dangerous without some type of reflective device on your clothing. Many athletic shoes have reflective qualities built in, but also consider a vest complete with reflective tape.
- ALWAYS carry identification with you when you go out.
Remember no driver, bicyclist or pedestrian has sole right to the road. It is a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.
Until next month… Stay Aware and Stay Safe.
For more information about this month’s Safer Naper topic of summertime safety and sharing the road safely please visit www.naperville.il.us/asafernaper.
