Summer 2020

• Look for cars in all directions – including those turning left or right – before crossing the street; never assume a driver will stop.
• Be careful crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
• Enhance your visibility at night. Walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight or wear something reflective, such as stickers or armbands, to be more visible.
• Avoid distraction. More and more we see people texting or talking on cell phones when crossing streets; this diminishes the ability of your two key senses – hearing and seeing – that are used to detect and avoid cars. So especially when crossing streets, put down the phone for a few seconds.
• Be predictable to drivers and follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
• Obey all pedestrian traffic signals.
• Watch for cars backing up in parking lots; brake lights can mean that a car is about to back up.
• Cross the street where you have the best view of traffic. At bus stops, cross behind the bus or at the nearest crosswalk.
• Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the roadway as you can.

• Wear a helmet. It could save your life.
• Use a light and reflex mirrors or reflective clothing when bicycling at night, and be as visible as possible.
• Ride in the direction of traffic. Drivers may not be looking for you if you are riding the wrong way.
• Obey all signs and signals. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights.
• Use all of your senses – watch and listen for cars, particularly at intersections and drive ways.
• Avoid distractions such as listening to headphones or answering phones when riding

• Motorists need to be watchful for pedestrians and bicyclists, drive at slower speeds, avoid distraction, and know the laws regarding when pedestrians or bicyclists have the right-of-way.
• Be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Give a bicyclist at least 3 feet of space when passing, or you may completely enter the left lane if conditions are safe to do so.
• Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
• Before making a turn, be sure the path is clear of any pedestrians or bicyclists.
• Slow down in areas where you are likely to find pedestrians, such as near bus stops, schools, and playgrounds.
• Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians before backing-up.
• Keep an eye out for pedestrians at night that may be walking near or across the road.
• Avoid distractions such as food, passengers and using mobile devices. Talking and texting while driving is both dangerous and illegal.

• Walk! Bike! Fun!
In May, the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota (BikeMN), along with Minnesota Safe Routes to School and the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) released distance learning guides in English, Hmong, Somali, and Spanish, focused on safe walking and bicycling for educators, students, and families. The Walk! Bike! Fun! Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety curriculum aims to teach children ages five to 13 skills to walking and biking safely, and the distance learning guides include a variety of methods to complete the lessons and activities depending on access to resources like a bicycle or a printer. Check it out .
 

• Virtual Bike Rodeo
Every year our local Police Departments and/or other organization in Goodhue County host a Bike Rodeo where kids can learn about bike safety, practice bike skills and win fun prizes. Due to the coronavirus, all in person bike rodeos were canceled, but that didn’t stop the Red Wing Police Department. This year, they are hosting a Virtual Bike Rodeo. Families can go to the RWPD’s Facebook page to watch a weekly safety tip, then go outside and have their kids practice what they've learned. Parents are encouraged to record or photograph their youngsters (age 10 and younger) demonstrating each bike safety for a chance to win a brand new bike. Videos/pictures can be submitted on a form that will be made available during the last week of June for a drawing will be held on July 4th.