How to Be Kind to Pedestrians

Emphasis on courteous behavior towards other drivers and even bicyclists is common, but what is often overlooked is kindness towards the pedestrians who share the same roads. Everyone seems to be in a hurry and distractions on the roads are everywhere, but accidents involving pedestrians have increased at an alarming rate. Although many rules may be common sense, everyone needs a reminder to watch for those people on foot.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Kindness On the Road and Trails While Cycling

1. Slow down when approaching a pedestrian and notify them of your presence as quickly as possible. Many bicyclists have horns or bells or just loudly announce that they will be passing!
2. Choose which side you are going to pass them on and state that to the pedestrian before passing. Yelling something like, "Passing on your left!" informs the pedestrian and avoids a collision.
3. Watch for dogs that may be walking with the pedestrian. Animals can jump out quickly and startle a bicyclist. Ensure you slow down enough to pass safely and give as much room as possible to the pedestrian when accompanied by an animal.
4. Accelerate to your preferred speed only after a safe distance has passed between you and the pedestrian, and continue merrily on your way!

Drive With Caution

5. Reduce your speed when approaching a pedestrian. Pedestrians can turn direction in a fraction of a second or go from standing to dashing, and cars cannot react as quickly. The only way to ensure that a driver can be prepared for sudden movements by a pedestrian is to adequately slow down.
6. Yield to the pedestrian. It's simple and necessary. Drivers must always yield to a pedestrian regardless of the circumstances. Before a driver can cross an intersection, driveway or any other thoroughfare, they must always give the right-of-way to those on foot.
7. Watch for pedestrians on highways and if one is attempting to cross, always slow or stop to allow them to cross, regardless if it is a marked or unmarked walkway. Although it may be the last place you expect to see a pedestrian, they still have the right-of-way.
8. Avoid passing a pedestrian unless there is enough room to safely maneuver around them. Also, never pass another vehicle or bicycle that is slowed or stopped to accommodate a pedestrian.
9. Use caution when a pedestrian is accompanied by children, an animal or when large numbers of pedestrians are present. Children and animals are likely to dart out in front of traffic or make sudden movements that can startle any driver.
10. Do not block crosswalks at intersections, even when pedestrians are not present. A pedestrian can come out of nowhere at any time and if a vehicle is blocking the crosswalk, they have no choice but to venture into an unsafe traffic area to cross the street. Be kind and allow them their space.