Travel Safety ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Missoula In Motion encourages everyone to commute responsibly.
Here are some tips to help us all get around more safely.
For Bicyclists ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Always wear a helmet.
- Use designated bike lanes when available.
- Ride with traffic, not against it.
Be visible.
- Use front and back lights.
- Wear light-colored or reflective gear.
Be clear.
- Signal for lane changes and turns.
- Warn pedestrians if you will be passing them from behind.
Avoid trouble.
- Stay out of the “door zone” – be far enough away from parked cars to avoid being hit by a sudden door opening.
- Try not to pass on the right, especially when there isn’t much room.
- Look over your shoulder before leaving the bike lane to turn left or when passing another cyclist.
Use your manners.
- Give pedestrians lots of space.
- Obey all traffic rules.
- Never steal the right-of-way.
- If you are forced to “take the lane” to safely navigate a narrow road, make sure you move over as soon as possible to let drivers stuck behind you pass.
- Apologize if you make an error.
- Give a wave of thanks to someone who does something nice for you.
For Pedestrians ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Stay smart and alert.
- Always stay on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk then walk facing traffic.
- Never assume a vehicle will stop. If the driver is on a cell phone or otherwise distracted, they may not be paying enough attention to notice you.
- Listen carefully for engine noise and look for backup lights in parking lots and near on-street parking spaces.
- Be careful when crossing.
- Use marked crosswalks or intersections whenever possible.
- Obey traffic and pedestrian signals.
- Look both ways before you cross any street even if there is a pedestrian signal.
- At multi-lane crossings, look across all lanes. Just because one motorist stops, do not assume drivers in other lanes will stop as well.
- Don’t wear headphones or talk on a cell phone when crossing.
- Watch for turning vehicles.
- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing so drivers can see you.
- Stand out, especially at night.
- Wear bright/light-colored clothing and/or reflective materials.
- Cross in well-lit areas.
- Carry a flashlight.
For Drivers ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keep a lookout.
- Watch for pedestrians and cyclists at all times.
- Be aware of crosswalks and bike lanes.
- Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up.
- Keep your windshield clean and your headlights on.
- Look for bicyclists when opening your door after parking on the street.
- Be responsible.
- Don't drive distracted. Keep cell phone use to a minimum.
- Don’t drive after consuming alcohol or other drugs.
- Yield to pedestrians at all crossings.
- Do not block or park in crosswalks or bike lanes.
- Always signal.
Be patient.
- Drive the speed limit.
- Never pass or overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
- Avoid aggressive maneuvers.
- Come to a complete stop at STOP signs.
- Be extra careful around children playing near the street or older pedestrians who may not see or hear you.
Be courteous.
- Do not honk to communicate with a bicyclist or pedestrian.
- Pass bicyclists with ample room.
- Do not follow closely behind a bicyclist.
- Apologize if you make a mistake.
