September 13-20 is Virginia's Cycling & Pedestrian Awareness Week

Drive Smart Virginia and BikeWalk Virginia, are working together to help improve understanding and create awareness of ways to reduce roadway injuries and fatalities. September 13-20, 2009, is Virginia's first Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week.

1. In 2008, 90 people died walking or cycling on our Virginia roadways. In addition, 716 cyclists and 1,696 pedestrians were injured. Take a second, save a life. Think about cyclists and pedestrians. September 13-20 is Virginia Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week-- remember, we’re all on the road together.

2. Did you know that a bicycle is considered a vehicle in Virginia and has the same duties and rights as motor vehicles on the road? This includes obeying all traffic signs, signals, lights and markings. A bicycle should always travel in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic. September 13-20 is Virginia Cycling and Pedestrian Awareness Week—remember, we’re all on the road together.

3. Stay safe whether driving or riding your bike. All safety precautions should be used, including a safety belt in a car, and a helmet on a bicycle. Cyclists can also protect themselves by wearing bright clothing, using flashing lights during day and night, and by securing loose clothing.

4. Like to get your exercise by walking or running? Pedestrians can improve safety by wearing bright colors during the day and reflective material or blinking lights at night. Light colored clothing is slightly helpful in making you visible at night, reflective tape or reflective fabric is much better.

5. Make sure you know the laws before heading out on your bike. Local ordinance determines use of sidewalks by bicycles and other alternative devices. When permitted to be on sidewalks, bicycles should yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.