Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety

Reduce Accidents: Let Yourself Be Seen

Since 2004, approximately 150 pedestrians have been killed annually in traffic-related crashes on New Jersey roadways.  More than 30,000 pedestrians have been injured in motor-vehicle related crashes statewide.

HART has introduced this new iniatiative to educate bicylists and pedestrians on the importance of making themselves visible to motorists.  In addition to understanding the rules of the road, the program emphasizes the value of wearing high visibility, reflective clothing and using reflective accessories when bicycling or walking.

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Pedestrian Safety

1. Wear bright-colored, reflectorized clothing, especially at night.
2. Walk on sidewalks or paths and always cross at the corner, within marked crosswalks if provided. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic and make eye contact with motorists.
3. Never cross mid-block (unless within a marked crosswalk), between parked cars or by climbing over median barriers. This is not only unsafe, but against the law.
4. Look left, then right and left again before crossing, and always be on the look-out for turning vehicles.
5. Continue to look for vehicles while crossing, even when in marked crosswalks.
6. Learn the proper use of “walk/don’t walk” signals and obey them.
7. Walk and cross with others, when possible.
8. Do not attempt to cross while talking or texting on a cell phone. Pedestrian inattention is a common cause of pedestrian-motor vehicle conflicts.
9. Try not to walk at night or in bad weather, such as rain, snow or ice.

 Bicyclists

1. Ride with traffic.
2. Use mirrors to allow you to seen traffic behind you.
3. Use hand signals to inform drivers when you intend to turn or stop.
4. Apply reflectors and/or reflective tape on your bicycle if you plan to bike at night.  Use bicycled lights at night (as required by NJ law)
5. Install a bell on your bicycle.
6. Always wear a helmet.

For more information, see the "Downloads and Links" box to the right.  For assistance, contact HART, info@harttma.com. Information and assistance also available in Spanish.