New program aims to reduce traffic accidents involving bicyclists and walkers/runners

A year-long program to increase bicycle and pedestrian safety is underway in Monterey. The primary goal — reducing the number of traffic accidents that involve bicyclists and walkers/runners.

Behind the program, a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.

That money will fund safety education programs for specific groups, including students and the elderly. It will also pay for more than 300 helmets and other safety equipment for children.

Here are some tips from the city of Monterey:

Bicyclists:
• Wear properly fitted bicycle helmets every time they ride.
• Riders are considered vehicle operators; they are required to obey the same rules of the road as other vehicle operators – including obeying traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.
• When cycling in the street, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Bicyclists should increase their visibility to drivers by wearing fluorescent or brightly colored clothing during the day, and at dawn and dusk.
• To be noticed when riding at night, the law requires a front light and a red reflector to the rear.
• Use hand signals so drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians know what you’re going to do.

Pedestrians:
• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road, cross at crosswalks or intersections, and obey signs and signals.
• Look left-right-left before crossing a street.
• Walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible if there is no sidewalk.
• Pay attention to the traffic moving around you.
• Make eye contact with drivers as they approach. Never assume a driver sees you.
• Wear bright clothing during the day and reflective materials (or use a flashlight) at night.

Drivers:
• Look out for pedestrians, especially in hard-to-see conditions such as at night or in bad weather.
• Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk where pedestrians are likely to be.
• Stop at the crosswalk stop line to give drivers in other lanes an opportunity to see and yield to the pedestrians too.
• Be cautious when backing up – pedestrians, especially young children, can move across your path.
• Be courteous; ‘Share the road’ with bicyclists – allow at least three feet of clearance when passing bicyclists.
• Look for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space.
• Yield to cyclists at intersections and as directed by signs and signals.
• Be especially watchful for riders when making turns, either left or right.