Program: Shared Roads Campaign
Filed Under: Streets
What laws do cyclists and motorists need to follow? How can we all learn to "Share the Road" and improve public safety?
Friends of Pathways partners with JH Community Pathways, Teton County Sheriff's Office, Jackson Police Department, and other law enforcement and local organizations to enhance public safety through a 'Shared Roads' campaign aiming to educate cyclists, motorists, pedestrians, and transit riders about the rights and responsibilities of all who use Teton County's roads, sidewalks, and pathways.
Check us out on the radio... on the web! Spots air regularly on all JH Radio stations (KMTN, KZJH, KSGT, and KJAX), as well as on JH Community Radio, KHOL (in slightly edited format). Feel free to send us questions or feedback regarding our 'Shared Roads' campaign; please
let us know what you think!
Below are some tips for sharing the road, provided by the League of American Bicyclists.
SHARING THE ROAD: CYCLISTS
On the Road:
- The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists
(that means no texting too!)
- Obey all traffic control devices
- Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns to other users
Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet:
- Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip
Ride on the Right
- Always ride in the same direction as traffic
- Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination
- Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
Ride Predictably:
- Ride in a straight line
- Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
- Check for traffic before entering street or intersection
- Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly
Be Visible:
- Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast
- Use a white front light at night
- Use a red rear light at night
- Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime
- Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists
SHARING THE ROAD: MOTORISTS
Drive Cautiously
- Reduce speed when encountering cyclists
- Don't tailgate, especially in bad weather
- Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space
Yield to Cyclists:
- Bicycles are considered vehicles
- Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way
- Allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
Be Considerate:
- Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
- Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists
- Look for cyclists when opening doors
Pass with Care:
- When passing, leave three feet between you and a cyclist
- Wait for safe road and traffic conditions before you pass
- Check over your shoulder before moving back
Watch for Children:
- Children on bicycles are often predictable
- Expect the unexpected and slow down
- Don't expect children to know traffic laws
- Because of their size, children can be harder to see
