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TextBe Aware; Virginia Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week, September 13-20
Fairfax County Police Department
Public Information Office
4100 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax, Va. 22030
703-246-2253. TTY 703-204-2264. Fax 703-246-4253
FCPD-PIO@fairfaxcounty.gov
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police
News Release: 09/LHC
September 14, 2009
Be Aware; Virginia Cycling and
Pedestrian Awareness Week
September 13-20
For the first time, the Fairfax County Police Department, in partnership with Drive Smart Virginia and BikeWalk Virginia, are enacting Virginia Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week in an effort to improve public awareness on the safety concerns surrounding cycling and walking along our congested roadways.
Last year, four people died while walking or cycling in Fairfax County. So far, in 2009, ten people have lost their lives under these tragic circumstances. Police, transportation and safety partners hope to reduce these numbers by increasing public knowledge of roadway regulations and safe behaviors.
The
Fairfax County Police Department and Department of Transportation offer
the following basic tips to help make roadways safer for all users:
-Allow a safety cushion. Slow down, wait until the roadway is safe for
passing cyclists and walkers and pass with at least three feet of
clearance.
-Yield right-of-way to pedestrians in marked and unmarked
crosswalks.
-Remember vehicle extensions. A side mirror or trailer can be deadly for
people walking or biking.
-Understand that the smallest bump to a cyclist or pedestrian can be
fatal.
-Minimize distractions. Distracted drivers are more likely to hit
cyclists and pedestrians.
-Do not assume ill intent and become frustrated by fellow cycling and
pedestrian travelers.
Police remind motorists that laws are designed to keep everyone moving smoothly and safely and there are some basic facts to keep in mind:
-Motorists are required to approach and pass bicyclists at a reasonable
speed and allow at least two feet between vehicle and cyclist. (Three
feet is even better)
-A bicycle is considered a vehicle in Virginia and has the same “duties
and rights” as other vehicles on the road, including obeying all traffic
signs, signals, lights and markings. A bicycle should always travel in
the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. Cyclists are not permitted
to ride on interstates or other controlled access roadways.
-Motorists are required to use signals to notify other roadway users of
intent and cyclists must do the same using proper hand signals. Behaving
in a predictable manner while driving, biking or walking can reduce the
risk of crashes.
-Cyclists can also protect themselves by wearing a helmet, bright
clothing, using flashing lights during day and night and securing loose
pant legs or other loose clothing.
-Pedestrians can improve their safety by wearing bright colors during
the day and reflective material or blinking lights at night. Light
colored clothing is slightly helpful in increasing night-time visibility;
reflective tape or fabric is much better.
-All road users should be aware of their surroundings, including blind
spots. Be aware of “inattention blindness” and use extra caution when
road changes are present, such as hidden entrances and exits.
-Pedestrians must travel against traffic when walking in the road, use
sidewalks whenever available, and marked crossings instead of crossing at
mid-block. Motorists and cyclists must yield to pedestrians in
crosswalks, both marked and unmarked, when making a right turn on red, or
as instructed by law enforcement officers or traffic control
devices.
-Local ordinance determines use of sidewalks by bicycles and other
alternative devices. When permitted to be on sidewalks, bicycles should
yield right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal (voice)
before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
For
more information concerning pedestrian and bicycle safety, visit www.sharingtheroadinvirginia.org/
.
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