Last year the Naperville Police responded to over 2,800 vehicle crashes. NPD has a dedicated traffic unit out enforcing traffic laws and making our roadways safer, but it’s important to remember that you, too, have a responsibility to prioritize safety whether you’re out enjoying the sunshine in a vehicle, on a bicycle, or on foot. Here are some reminders to help drivers, cyclists, walkers and runners share the road this summer.
Tips for Drivers
- 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.
- Turn on vehicle headlights at dusk.
Tips for Cyclists
- Follow the same rules of the road as motorists when traveling on city streets. Stop at stop signs, obey traffic signals and lane markings, and use hand signals to let others know your intentions.
- 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.
- Bicycles may be ridden on the sidewalks in Naperville unless otherwise posted. Bicycle riding is not permitted on sidewalks on the Riverwalk or in Downtown Naperville.
Tips for Walkers and Runners
- 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.
- 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.
- Runners are also reminded to ALWAYS carry identification with them when they 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 sharing the road safely, visit www.naperville.il.us/asafernaper.
