Frankenmuth

18 WALKING ––––––––––––––––––––––– Pedestrians should walk on sidewalks when possible. If sidewalks are not available, you should walk on the side of the road as close to the curb or shoulder as possible. Pedestrians should walk against oncoming traffic. When crossing streets, use a designated crosswalk or an intersection. Before you cross, always stop, look left, then right, and left again. If there are no vehicles, you may proceed with caution. Do not rely on pedestrian traffic signals alone. It is possible that you could be in the blind spot of a driver. If a parked vehicle is blocking your view while trying to cross at an intersection, safely move forward enough to see oncoming traffic. Before you cross, look in both directions to make sure it is safe to cross. When you have the right-of-way at a cross walk, make direct eye contact with drivers to assure they see you before stepping out. When walking at night, it is recommended that you carry a flashlight or flashing bands to alert drivers of your presence. It is important to wear bright clothing with reflective markings both day and night. This reflective wear will help motorists see you, especially during dark hours. BIKING ––––––––––––––––––––––––– Bicyclists always ride with traffic, meaning the same direction as traffic flow. You must obey all traffic rules that apply to vehicles. These include traffic lights, lane markings, and knowing your hand signals indicating which direction you are turning. Always wear a bicycle helmet and reflective clothing. Stay as far to the right as possible when riding in traffic lanes. Before entering the roadway, always look for vehicles. You must also yield to pedestrians. Your bicycle must be equipped with a white front headlight and a red rear reflector. Wear reflective clothing so you can be easily seen by other vehicles. As with any vehicle, it is recommended that you check all equipment on your bike before heading out. This includes brakes, chain, and tire pressure. Children should be able to touch the ground with both feet while sitting on their bike and wear a properly fitted helmet. When riding in a group, we recommend that an adult ride in front and behind the child. Bicyclists need to be aware that you may be in the blind spot of vehicles so always be aware of your surroundings. DRIVERS ––––––––––––––––––––––– When you are stopped at a crosswalk or intersection, attempt to make eye contact with pedestrians. When driving in school zones, even after school hours, be aware of the fact that it is likely there are children in the area. When approaching a cyclist on the street, remember that in June of 2018, a state law was passed that requires a motorist attempting to overtake a bike to give the cyclist room. Motorists traveling in the same direction as a cycle are to put three feet of distance between the right of the bike and their vehicle when passing, until the cycle has been safely cleared. When considering passing a cyclist on the street or a pedestrian on a street without a sidewalk, check to make sure the cyclist's path is clear before attempting to pass. As you're driving and you approach a group walking or riding bikes, check for the skill level and age of those groups before attempting to pass. You don't have to be in Frankenmuth long to appreciate how many of our residents walk and bike throughout the city. It doesn't matter if you are an avid cyclist, a walker, or a driver, there are ways everyone can improve safety in Frankenmuth. RIDE, DRIVE, OR STRIDE

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