Share the road safely with all other users, no matter what type of transportation you choose to use. Car drivers should use extra caution while driving near pedestrians and bicyclists. Choosing active transportation requires some preparation. You must learn the
rules of the road and learn to walk and bike safely. Here are walk, bike, and transit safety tips to remember:
Walk for a Healthier Life - WalkSafe!
Walk on the sidewalk - Always use sidewalks when available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the left facing oncoming traffic.
Look before you cross - Look left, right, and left again before crossing a street.
Use the crosswalk - Always cross at corners or at a marked crosswalk, where drivers expect you.
Be alert - Don’t assume drivers see you. Make eye contact with drivers before stepping off the sidewalk. Be alert - Look for cars coming from all directions before entering the street - including from behind you.
Wheel Your Way to Fitness - BikeSafe!
Wear your helmet - It’s the law for children and youth under 18. Helmets should fit snug, sit level on your head just above your eyebrows, and always be buckled firmly under your chin.
Be predictable - Obey all stop signs and traffic signals. Ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic. Follow the same rules of the road as car drivers.
Be visible - Wear bright clothing, use a headlight (front white light) and taillight (rear red light and reflector).
Be alert - Watch out for drivers turning left or right, or coming out of driveways. Avoid the door zone from parked cars. Yield to pedestrians.
Share the path safely - Pedestrians have the right of way on walkways and paths. Give an audible warning when you pass on your bicycle. Keep to the right and pass on the left.
When connecting to transit - BeSafe!
Don't run to catch a bus or train - Running to catch a bus or train can be dangerous, especially if the operator is pulling out of the stop or station.
Walk your bike or skateboard - Walk your bike or skateboard while on the train platform. Store bikes properly -
Store bikes properly - Store bicycles in bike racks.
Safely load and unload your bike - To load your bike, stay on the curb until the bus comes to a complete stop. To unload your bike, please exit from the front of the bus and remind the operator that you have to remove your bike.
Visit the
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) website for more information on transit safety.
BeSafe! Avoid texting, phone calls, or other distractions while walking, biking, taking transit and driving.
Resources
About the Campaign
On April 1, 2018, the Public Health Department launched the final installment of campaign ads, We Choose Walk for a Healthier Life and We Choose Wheel Your Way to Fitness. These ads feature people of all ages in a variety of settings engaged in walking, biking and taking transit to places in their communities. These new campaign ads are designed to activate all Santa Clara County residents, specifically in Gilroy, to choose active transportation walk, bike, or take transit instead of using their cars. The campaign ad will run on bus tails, bus shelters business ads from April 1 through October 31, 2019, in South Santa Clara County.
We Choose is an educational campaign aimed to inspire people to collectively choose to walk and bike for a healthy, active and safe community. The campaign was developed by the County of Santa Clara, Public Health Department with funding support provided by the
Active Transportation Program (ATP) and
the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC). The campaign includes transit ads, digital business ads, social media, local government, and transportation agency coordination as well as the clinic, school and community outreach.