 Drivers, watch out for pedestrians & bicyclists
Summer is here and warmer weather means an increase in the number of pedestrians and bicyclists on the road. Keep these pointers in mind when driving near pedestrians and bicyclists:
- Although bicyclists are
entitled to use the road and should be treated as vehicles, you must
always yield to them and pedestrians at all times, even if they are not in
a crosswalk and they are crossing the street where they should not be.
- Pull out slowly from driveways and parking areas while watching for vulnerable road users, including children and others on the sidewalk or nearby pathways.
- Stop fully before turning at driveways and intersections to make sure you do not cut off pedestrians or approaching bicyclists who have the right of way.
- You should check for bicyclists and pedestrians in your path before backing up your vehicle.
- Never turn right immediately after passing a cyclist - wait until the cyclist has completed the trip through the intersection.
- When approaching a stopped vehicle from behind, slow down and do not pass until you are sure there are no pedestrians or bicyclists crossing in front of it. You may not pass a vehicle stopped for a crosswalk even on multi-lane roads.
- Yield to anyone crossing the street when turning left on a green light.
- Watch for surprising changes in direction, especially by children or cyclists avoiding road hazards.
- Leave sufficient space when passing vulnerable road users and take every possible precaution to avoid a collision.
- Be especially cautious near schools or residential areas where children and bicyclists may be present.
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