Safe Walking, Biking, and Riding Tips

There are many alternatives to driving a car including walking, bicycling, and motorcycling. Read on for tips on doing so safely…

For Pedestrians

Stay alert. Distractions including earbuds, texting, and cell phones are just as dangerous a distraction when walking as when driving, perhaps more so outside of that big metal box.
Walk sober. Alcohol and drugs can impair the ability to walk safely, just as they do a person's ability to drive.
Dress to be seen. Wear light colors and reflective clothing to make sure you are easy to see by drivers. Carry a flashlight to use at sunrise and sunset when glare can make it difficult for drivers to see - no matter how visible you are - and at night or in dark areas.
Cross carefully. Watch for drivers who may not have seen the lights that you have right-of-way even as you cross. Walk. Pay extra attention when crossing driveways, alleys, and parking lots.
Obey traffic signals, especially when crossing without a marked crosswalk (where drivers have the right-of-way).
Walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks, and you must walk.
Don’t count on drivers paying attention. Watch out and make eye contact to be sure drivers see you!
Right of way is not a guarantee of safety. Stepping in front of oncoming traffic, even if you’re supposed to have the right-of-way, can result not only in serious injury to you if the driver didn’t see you or didn’t have time to stop, but can also result in law enforcement action against you for creating an immediate hazard.
Be extra cautious when crossing multiple-lane, higher speed streets. Never assume that because one lane has stopped, drivers in the other lanes will see you and also stop.
Do NOT walk on freeways or other restricted areas, such as construction zones.

For Drivers

Stay alert. Pedestrians:

Can be anywhere at anytime, even in places you do not expect to see them.
Can be very hard to see, especially in bad weather or at night. Staying alert will help you notice them. And if you can't see clearly, slow down.
May move into the driver’s intended path when turning, while you wait for a "gap" in traffic.

Be especially cautious around schools and in neighborhoods where children are around.
When entering a crosswalk area, drive slowly and prepare to stop.
Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, even an unmarked crosswalk.
When stopping at a crosswalk, stop well back so drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop.
Do NOT pass other vehicles stopped for pedestrians.

Bicycling is a popular way to get around in Oregon. Bicycles are considered vehicles in Oregon and are required to follow traffic laws when riding on the road.

The League of American Bicyclists, with support from AARP, has a series of videos specific to older cyclists: Smart Cycling Tips for Older Adults.

The Oregon Department of Transportation’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Program webpage has a number of resources related to bicycle safety including a link to the Ultimate Bike Safety Guide, which includes links to additional educational and informational resources on bicycle safety.

For Bicyclists

Stay alert. Distractions including earbuds and cell phones are just as dangerous a distraction when riding as when driving, perhaps more so outside of that big metal box.
Ride sober. Alcohol and drugs can impair the ability to ride safely, just as they do a person's ability to drive.
Dress you and your bicycle to be seen. Wear light colors and reflective clothing to make sure you are easy to see by drivers. Use lights on the front and back when riding at night or in other conditions when visibility is lower.
Obey traffic laws. Bicycles are vehicles under state traffic laws.
Ride on the right and in the direction of traffic.
Signal lane changes and turns with hand signals. Drivers often are very nervous driving around bicyclists because they don’t know what to expect. They will generally give you more space and time to make your turn if they know what you intend to do.
Take the lane when:

A lane is so narrow that passing by a driver is dangerous.
Moving at the speed of traffic, such as when traveling down hills or on downtown streets.

Stay out of the “door zone.” Be far enough away from parked cars that if someone opens a door without looking, you don’t have to swerve suddenly.

For Drivers

Stay alert. Bicyclists:

Can be anywhere at anytime, even in places you do not expect to see them.
Can be very hard to see, especially in bad weather or at night. Staying alert will help you notice them. And if you can't see clearly, slow down.

Leave a safe distance between your car and a bicyclist when passing.
Don’t follow too closely. Bicyclists are allowed to “take the lane” if there is not room for you to safely pass. Most bicyclists would prefer to be out of your way and will allow you to pass as soon as safely possible.
Do NOT honk at a bicyclist, unless you have good cause to warn the rider you are close by. The loud noise could startle the rider. There may be a good reason for the bicyclist to be riding in the travel lane, such as roadway hazards not visible to motorists.
Check the bike lane before turning. The bike lane is a travel lane. Be sure to check for bicycles in the lane when turning across it. Bicyclists often move as quickly as cars, particularly in the city. If you’ve just passed a bicyclist, check to make sure there is plenty of space before turning across their path.
A driver may pass a bicyclist by driving to the left only when traveling at a speed greater than 35 mph and the passing distance is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver’s lane. If passing safely is not possible, you must slow down and follow until you can safely pass.
Be especially cautious around schools and in neighborhoods where children are active. These are places where you are most likely to find children on bicycles.
Look before opening your door so you don’t open your door in front of other cars, bikes, or pedestrians.

For Motorcyclists

Stay alert. Distractions including earbuds, texting and cell phones are just as dangerous a distraction when riding as when driving, perhaps more so outside of that big metal box.
Ride sober. Alcohol and drugs can impair the ability to ride safely, just as they do a person's ability to drive.
Attend a rider-training course to learn how to operate the vehicle and to get the required license to ride a motorcycle in Oregon.
Read the Oregon DMV’s Motorcycle and Moped Manual for information about road rules and safe riding practices.
Follow the rules of the road.
Be alert to other drivers.
Wear protective gear.

Most mopeds and scooters are considered motorcycles by DMV. Ride only after you’ve obtained a permit.

For Drivers

Stay alert. Motorcyclists:

Can be anywhere at anytime, even in places you do not expect to see them.
Can be hard to see, especially in bad weather or at night. Staying alert will help you notice them. And if you can't see clearly, slow down.

Allow a motorcycle a full lane width and signal your intentions to avoid a motorcycle being in your blind spot.
Allow a longer following distance from a motorcycle than with other vehicles.

Safe Walking, Biking, and Riding Tips

Walking Safely Tips

Bicycling Safely Tips

Motorcycling Safely Tips