Safety

In addition to promoting appropriate infrastructure for walkers and bikers, we recognize that walking and biking is safer when motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians follow rules of the road.

Children learn rules of the road at a bike rodeo organized by Walk/Bike Frankfort.

The following safety tips for motorists and cyclists are distributed by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Bicycle and Pedestrian program (download handout).

Under Kentucky Law bicycles should use roadways. Sidewalks are for pedestrians.

Safety tips for motorists

    1. Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.

    2. Expect cyclists on the road at any time, especially on signed bike routes.

    3. Don’t honk your horn when approaching cyclists. You can startle the cyclist and cause a crash.

    4. Wait until road conditions allow you to safely pass.

    5. Realize the air turbulence your vehicle can create. Leave at least three feet of space between your car and the cyclist when passing.

    6. Stay behind a cyclist when you are turning right.

    7. Cyclists may take the lane (position near the center of the lane) when hazards, road width, or traffic speed dictate.

    8. Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.

Safety tips for cyclists

    1. Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.

    2. Wear a properly fitted helmet.

    3. Use the travel lane farthest to the right unless you are turning left or passing another vehicle.

    4. Always ride in the same direction as other traffic and in a straight line. Do not swerve between parked cars.

    5. Do not ride on sidewalks unless you are a child.

    6. Use hand signals to alert motorists of your intentions when changing lanes and turning.

    7. Ride a well-equipped bike with a headlight, taillight, bell, and rearview mirror.

    8. Wear reflective materials to increase visibility at night.

Last updated 2/16/22 by Brittany Woodward.