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BE VISIBLE

while riding your bicycle or walking

by Michelle Avola-Brown, Executive Director, Naples Pathways Coalition

ith school out and schedules When changing lanes, merging, or turning, always
not quite so hectic as it is signal your intentions. Use your left hand to point when
W during the season, a lot of going left and use your right hand to point when you are
children and adults are out walking, going right. Ride predictably so drivers will understand
biking, and running during the summer. where you want to go. Don’t cut in and out of traffic, cross
Being visible is vital to avoiding crashes, injuries, midblock, move lanes quickly, or ride between cars.
and worse. Here are some practical tips for Walk against traffic, don’t cross midblock, and be alert for people
increasing your visibility while riding your bicycle driving or biking toward you.
or walking: Whether you’re driving, walking, or biking, put away your phone
Wear white or fluorescent colors. Choose a neon yellow, bright and other distractions. Eyes up at all times.
orange, lime green, or hot pink shirt and socks. Wearing bright colors Don’t ride too close to parked cars. When passing by parked
helps you stand out rather than blend with the landscape. Adding a cars, listen for locks opening, watch for doors opening, and watch
reflective vest or belt is a great way to stand out. Neon colored socks for traffic. You could get “doored” by someone entering or exiting a
with reflectors are smart because our eyes notice things that move. vehicle who doesn’t see you.
Be sure your bike has a functioning headlight and taillight, and If you stop on the right side of a vehicle, you may be in their blind
both are visible for several hundred feet. Use your front and rear spot. Vehicles turning right may not see you and turn right into or in
lights in blinking mode during the day to increase visibility. At front of you. A rearview mirror on your bike or helmet will help you
night, only your taillight should be blinking and the headlight a see cars approaching behind you. (A less than $20 investment could
constant beam. Make sure your bike has plenty of reflectors too, on save your life!)
the fenders, spokes, pedals, and body. If you walk between dusk and To make sure you are as safe as possible, always ride and walk with
sunrise, carry a flashlight and consider strapping on a few blinking the assumption that drivers don’t notice you. Too many drivers are
lights to your wrists or ankles. looking at their phones instead of watching the road for people and
If there is a bike lane, use it but beware of debris that could cause hazards. Stay alert and be prepared to ride or walk defensively.
a crash or flat. Avoid riding near the gutter where drainage grates can Always wear a helmet, make sure it is fit properly (no more than
lock up your tire. two fingers between the eyebrows and the front of your helmet, no
If there is no bike lane, ride in a prominent spot in the lane. Avoid more than two fingers should fit between the strap and your neck, the
riding next to the curb. That sets you up for a sideswipe by a car that side strap should make a “V” just below your earlobe, and not move
gets too close and the dangers noted above. When you ride closer to around if you shake your head. Get a helmet that’s neon colored, or
the center of the lane, cars will need to change lanes to pass as they maybe even one of those mohawk helmets to be super eye catching!
would any other vehicle, and that is additional protection for you. One last important reminder: never ride with earbuds or
Bicycles are legally allowed to ride in the vehicle lane when a bike headphones. It is illegal, but it is also very unsafe. While walking,
lane is not present. only one earbud at low volume in your left ear (away from traffic) so
Adhere to traffic laws. Bicycles on the road are considered you can listen for hazards. The only one looking out for you is you.
vehicles and must stop at stop signs and red lights. Try to make eye You need all of your senses to do that effectively.
contact with drivers before crossing the intersection in front of them.
Without eye contact, assume they do not see you.
For more information on pedestrian and bicycle safety, please visit www.naplespathways.org
If you have any specific questions, email me at Michelle@NaplesPathways.org

30 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2024