"Share the Road" Initiative


Share the Road

Remember motorists – you need to Share the Road with bicyclists and pedestrians. It is your responsibility to follow the rules of the road.
Here are some ways you can safely Share the Road in your car:

  • Slow Down.  A pedestrian that gets hit at 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed.  At 20 mph, the chance drops to 20%.
  • Practice safe driving habits.  Clean your windshield, adjust your mirrors, use two hands on your steering wheel, wear your seatbelt, use your directional signals for turns, put your phones down, and make eye contact with bicyclists and pedestrians.
  • Be prepared for the unexpected.  Do not assume others know the rules of the road.
  • Be especially aware of crosswalks.
  • Be alert around schools, neighborhoods, and play grounds.
  • Give bicyclists enough space. They have the same rights to the road as motor vehicles.

Ped
The term pedestrian includes walkers and runners.
When sharing the road with motorized vehicles you, the pedestrian, need to follow the rules of the road if sidewalks are not available.
  • Be Visible- Wear light and bright colored clothing so motorists can see you.
  • Be Aware- Watch out for cars and trucks exiting driveways and side roads.
  • Use Crosswalks- It is a state law for motorists to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, but many times cars don't stop. Watch out for turning vehicles while in the crosswalks.
  • Runners are pedestrians too.- You should run against traffic, and run during the daylight, if possible. Wear reflective clothing if you are running at dust or dawn. 

Bike

Vermont Statute: Title 23, Chapter 13, Section 1136 “c) Every person riding a bicycle is granted all of the rights and is subject to all of the duties applicable to operators of vehicles, except as to those provisions which by their very nature can have no application.”

  • Check your bike- Is there enough air in your tires? Do your brakes work properly?
  • Obey the rules of the road- Ride in the same direction as the traffic flow. Ride on the right shoulder or in the bike lane.
  • Light your way at night- IT'S THE LAW to have a white light on the front of your bike, and a refector on the back of your bike.
  • Share the road- Ride single file and be aware of your surroundings.
  • Helmets- Make sure they fit snugly, comfortably,  and right on top of your head.
  • Know your turning hand signals.
hand
To learn more about "Share the Road" Initiative, please check out their brochure.