Smart Tips for Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety
When there’s a crash between a vehicle and a cyclist or pedestrian, the person outside the vehicle is the most likely to be injured. It’s important that drivers watch out for other road users — but it’s everyone’s responsibility to keep Iowa roads safe.
See what you can do as a driver, cyclist, and pedestrian to protect yourself and everyone else on the road safe from injury and death.
Bicycle Safety
Iowa is known for its prevalent cycling culture. While many neighborhoods are rich with trails and paths, many bicyclists are commuting on roads shared with motor vehicles. Bicycles are considered vehicles when operated on the road — which means bicyclists must follow the same rules as drivers and motorcyclists. However, they must also take extra precautions to ensure their safety.
Always Wear a Bicycle Helmet
The first step to keeping yourself safe as a bicyclist is putting on a helmet before every ride. Helmets are the best way to protect your head in case of a collision or fall — but wearing just any helmet isn’t enough. It’s important that you ensure a proper fit, so it doesn’t slide or slip when you need it.
Size can vary depending on the manufacturer. For the most complete list of helmet sizes, go the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (BHSI) website. When you put on your helmet, make sure to look in the mirror to adjust the straps. Your life is worth a second look.
Bicycle Hand Signals
Knowing how to signal your next move can prevent accidents and ensure smooth interactions with drivers. Using these signals helps tell other drivers and cyclists your actions, so everyone stays safe. Here are the essential hand signals every cyclist should know:
Left turn
Extend your left arm straight out to the side.
Right turn
Extend your left arm out and up at a right angle or extend your right arm straight out.
Stopping
Extend your left arm out and down.
Bicycling Safety Rules of the Road
- Always wear your helmet!
- When applicable, use bike lanes or paths to avoid traffic.
- When riding with others, ride in a straight, single-file line.
- Ride on the right in the same direction as cars.
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Keep both hands on the handlebars unless you’re signaling a turn or stop.
How to Avoid Bicycle Crashes
Since bicyclists often share the road with vehicles, riding smart is critical to safety. Here are some things bicyclists can do to stay safe:
- Stay visible: Equip your bike with front and rear lights, especially if you’re riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Wear bright, reflective clothing to ensure drivers see you.
- Follow traffic rules: Bicycles must adhere to the same rules as cars. Stop at red lights, yield where necessary, and avoid swerving between lanes.
- Be predictable: Signal your turns well in advance using hand signals and avoid sudden movements that could surprise drivers.
- Watch for doors: Ride at a safe distance from parked cars to avoid getting hit by someone suddenly opening a door.
- Use bike lanes: Stick to bike lanes when they’re available. This helps you keep a safe distance from vehicle traffic
Pedestrian Safety
At some time or another, we’re all pedestrians. Although using sidewalks doesn’t seem particularly dangerous, it’s important to take appropriate defensive precautions to protect yourself from unsafe drivers. See the simple steps you can take as a pedestrian in any environment.
Pedestrian Safety Rules of the Road
- Obey signs and signals.
- Use sidewalks whenever they’re available.
- If there is no sidewalk, travel in the road facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
- Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Make sure to look all ways for cars, including those turning left or right.
- Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.
How to Protect Yourself from Pedestrian Crashes
While pedestrians have the right of way, they also have a responsibility to themselves and others to travel safely. Here are some things pedestrians can do to stay safe:
- Cross safely: Always use crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. Make sure to look both ways before crossing, even if you have the right of way.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions like texting or listening to music at high volumes while walking. Your eyes and ears are your best defense against potential hazards.
- Be visible: Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially at night or in bad weather.
- Walk facing traffic: If there are no sidewalks, walk on the side of the road facing oncoming traffic. This way, you can see vehicles approaching.
- Make eye contact: Verify that drivers see you before crossing in front of their vehicle.
- Be predictable: Follow traffic signals and rules. Don’t jaywalk or cross unexpectedly.
Guidelines for Drivers
Drivers hold significant responsibility when it comes to keeping all road users safe. Here are some practices to keep in mind:
- Check blind spots: Always look for pedestrians and bicyclists, especially when reversing or changing lanes.
- Drive slowly: Reduce speed in parking lots and busy areas to give yourself more time to react.
- Be cautious when backing up: Reverse slowly and check mirrors. Use backup cameras if you have them.
- Avoid distractions: Focus solely on driving. Don’t look at your phone or anything else other than the road.
- Yield to pedestrians: Always give the right of way to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
- Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions. This includes nighttime or bad weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. They could be stopped for pedestrians that you may not see.
- Follow the speed limit, especially in school zones and in neighborhoods where children are present.
The Hidden Dangers of Parking Lots
Parking lots may seem safe, but they’re hotspots for dangerous encounters. Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable. Blindly backing up or failing to notice these road users can lead to devastating consequences. A moment of bad judgment can turn a trip to the store into a life-changing event.
How to Avoid Parking Lot Incidents
In parking lots, there are potential hazards everywhere you turn — with cars, pedestrians, and bicyclists all competing for space. Here’s how to navigate parking lot challenges safely:
- Park smart: Choose spots that offer a clear view when you back out. Avoid tight spaces where visibility is compromised.
- Reverse slowly: Back out slowly and deliberately, continuously checking your mirrors and blind spots. Consider installing a backup camera if your car doesn’t have one.
- Be aware of pedestrians: Always be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially children who may dart out unexpectedly.
- Watch for bicycles: Keep an eye out for bicyclists, who might move quickly and be hard to see.
Bicyclist FAQs
No, bicycles should always ride with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic is dangerous and increases the risk of head-on collisions. Riding with traffic makes cyclists more predictable and visible to drivers.
If a bicycle hits your car, check for injuries and call the authorities, if necessary. Exchange information with the cyclist and document the incident for insurance purposes.
If you hit a cyclist, stop immediately, call 911, and help make sure they’re okay.
Bike crashes happen frequently, especially in urban areas and during busy traffic times. Bicyclists are safest in bike lanes and away from high traffic areas. Using designated bike paths also increases safety.
Pedestrian FAQs
Stop immediately, call 911, and help make sure they’re okay.
Pedestrians are safest in crosswalks and designated pedestrian zones. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay visible to drivers.
Yes, a pedestrian can report a driver for unsafe driving, such as speeding, distracted driving, or failing to yield. Contact local authorities to make a report.
No, pedestrians should not walk in bike lanes. Bike lanes are designated for cyclists, and walking in them can cause crashes. Use sidewalks and crosswalks instead.