APRIL TRAFFIC SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH - it's bicycle season!

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 3505, Riding on Roadways and Pedalcycle Paths

General rule -- every person operating a pedalcycle (aka bicycles) upon a highway shall obey the applicable rules of the road as contained in this title.

NHTSA reminds of us of the following:

• Ride in a straight line, single file, in the same direction as traffic
• Obey traffic signs and signals
• Stop and look left-right-left for traffic before entering a street
• Bikers should use bike lanes whenever available.

Pennsylvania Vehicle Code 3508a, Pedalcycles on Sidewalks and Pedalcycle Paths (Right-of-way of Pedestrians)

General rule -- a)  Right-of-way to pedestrians.--A person riding a pedalcycle upon a sidewalk or pedalcycle path used by pedestrians shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian.

Common practice for passing a pedestrian or other bicyclist is to pass on the left and before doing so, say “LEFT” in time for the person being overtaken to hear you and respond.  

An example of a Pedalcycle Path would be the Pennypack Trail that travels through Lower Moreland and Bryn Athyn Borough. 

PennDOT recommends visiting The League of American Bicyclists for more information on biking safety.  You can also visit NHSTA to learn more about bicycle safety for riders of all ages. 

Enjoy your ride!