Bicycle/Walking Safety
When choosing bicycling or walking as an alternative mode of transportation, safety is an important consideration. In this section, we present an introduction to safety topics, including How to Bike and Walk Safely, Helmet Safety, Hydration and Sun Protection. We provide links to established websites with more complete information on all of these topics. We also provide Trailnetiquette Safety Tips for group rides, information about our Bike Safety Rodeos for children and parents and links to current Missouri and Illinois Bicycle and Walking Policy and Legislation.

		...it is important to know how to bike and walk safely, sharing the road with other bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists. Making yourself visible, as a bicyclist or pedestrian, is also important at night, dusk and dawn. And, all Trailnet members are eligible to use the Missouri Bike Federations's Motorist Contact Letter service if they feel they have had an unsafe interaction with a motorist. Read more>
		...a helmet is your last line of defense in an accident; never ride without one. Helmets can reduce serious head injuries by 85% in a crash. Read more>
		...when bicycling and walking for transportation, it is important to stay hydrated and use sun protection during all seasons, and to know the symptoms of and avoid both heat exhaustion and the more serious, life threatening heat stroke. Read more>
		...the popularity of Trailnet's Bicycle Fun Club rides is drawing more participants than ever before. We couldn't be happier to see so many people in our community enjoying these recreational opportunities. With the increase in people, however, comes an increase in the need for education about simple rules for cycling safety and proper etiquette while riding. Read more>
		...Trailnet offers Bike Safety Rodeos to children and parents. Read more>
		...Missouri and Illinois policies and legislation are presented below. Also check you local municipal ordinances for additional regulations, such as helmet laws. Read more>

Bike and Walk Safely

Sharing the Road for Motorists and Cyclists

	Motorists
	1. Drive cautiously
	Reduce speed when encountering cyclists   In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space
	2. Yield to cyclists
	Cyclists are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way Cyclists may take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate Motorists should allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
	3. Be considerate
	Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists Look for cyclists when opening doors
	4. Pass with care
	Leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing Wait until road and traffic conditions allow you to safely pass Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position
	5. Watch for children
	Children on bicycles are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slow down Most children don't have adequate knowledge of traffic laws Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults
	Cyclists
	1. Ride on the right
	Always ride in the same direction as traffic Use the lane furthest to the right that heads in the direction that you are traveling Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right
	2. On the road
	The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings Always use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn to motorists and cyclists
	3. Always wear a properly fitting helmet
	Make sure that the helmet fits on top of the head, not tipped back Always wear a helmet while riding a bike, no matter how short the trip After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately
	4. Ride predictably
	Ride in a straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection Anticipate hazards and adjust position in traffic accordingly
	5. Be visible
	Wear brightly colored clothing at all times At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there
	Download Printable Guidelines here Source: http://www.bikeleague.org/action/sharetheroad.php (League of American Bicyclists)

 

Things to Remember for Motorists and Pedestrians

	Motorists
	1. You can encounter pedestrians anytime and anywhere - even in places where they are not supposed to be found
	Reduce speed when encountering cyclists   In inclement weather, give cyclists extra trailing and passing room Recognize situations that may be potentially dangerous to cyclists and give them space
	2. Pedestrians can be very hard to see - especially in bad weather or at night
	You must keep a lookout and slow down if you can't see clearly
	3. Stop for pedestrians who are in a crosswalk, even if it is not marked
	When you stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk, stop well back so that drivers in the other lanes can also see the pedestrian in time to stop
	4. Cars stopped in the street may be stopped to allow a pedestrian to cross
	Do not pass if there is any doubt!
	5. Don't assume that pedestrians see you or that they will act predictably
	They may be physically or mentally impaired - or drunk!
	6. When you are turning, you often will have to wait for a "gap" in traffic
	Beware that while you are watching for that "gap", pedestrians may have moved into your intended path Don't run someone down
	7. Be especially attentive around schools and in neighborhoods where children are active
	Drive there like you would like people to drive in front of your own home!
	Pedestrians
	1. Be predictable
	Stay off freeways and restricted zones Use sidewalks where provided Cross or enter streets where it is legal to do so
	2. Where no sidewalks are provided, it is usually safer to walk facing road traffic
	3. Make it easy for drivers to see you
	Dress in light colors and wear reflective material It might be wise to carry a flashlight in very dark areas
	4. Buy "workout" clothes that incorporate reflective materials and that are highly visible
	5. Be wary
	Most drivers are nice people, but don't count on them paying attention Watch out - make eye contact to be sure they see you!
	6. Alcohol and drugs can impair your ability to walk safely, just like they do a person's ability to drive.
	7. Use extra caution when crossing multiple lane, higher speed streets.
	Download Printable Guidelines here Source: http://www.walkinginfo.org/ee/safety.htm (Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center)

Reflectors, Lights and High Visibility Clothing
By law, you must have a front white light and red rear reflector on your bicycle when riding at night. Front lights can illuminate your path or more importantly make you visible at night and many models are available at reasonable cost. Blinking lights are more visible than static and many low cost models are available. When bicycling or walking at night, dusk or dawn, high visibility clothing will make you more visible to motorists.
Source: http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/roadrules.php (League of American Bicyclists)

Missouri Bike Federation Motorist Contact Letter Service
In an effort to make Missouri a safer place to ride a bicycle, the Missouri Bicycle Federation (MoBikeFed) has established a program in which the details of the incident are reported to MoBikeFed and a letter is sent to the offending motorist. Details of the incident should include: motorist license tag number and description of the incident (time, place, description of vehicle and driver, what happened). This program is open to all MoBikeFed members, including members of Trailnet.

Bicyclists may send the details of the incident to
director@mobikefed.org
MBF Motorist Contact Program
PO Box 104871, Jefferson
City, MO 65110-4871

Helmet Safety
Bicycle helmets are 85 - 88 % effective in preventing head and brain injuries. Estimates indicate that only 20 - 25 % of all bicyclists wear bicycle helmets. Helmet use for any activity is lowest among children ages 11 to 14 (11 %).

Helmets with CPSC approval are good for biking and in-line skating and are available in most sporting goods stores. "Multi-sport" helmets with a Snell B-95 approval are designed for skateboarding, roller-skating, and riding scooters as well as biking and in-line skating. Snell B-95 rated helmets provide more protection but you may have to check out more stores to find one. Your helmet should sit flat on your head — make sure it is level and is not tilted back or forward. The front of the helmet should sit low — about two finger widths above your eyebrows to protect your forehead. The straps on each side of your head should form a "Y" over your ears, with one part of the strap in front of your ear, and one behind — just below your earlobes. If the helmet leans forward, adjust the rear straps. If it tilts backward, tighten the front straps. Buckle the chinstrap securely at your throat so that the helmet feels snug on your head and does not move up and down or from side to side.

Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch article 2/20/06, http://www.bam.gov/sub_yoursafety/index.html (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Body and Mind), http://www.bikeleague.org/resources/better/beginningcycling.php (League of American Bicyclists), http://www.bhsi.org (Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute), and http://www.cpsc.gov/KIDS/kidsafety/correct.html (U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission)

Hydration and Sun Protection

Hydration
Drinking water before, during, and after physical activity is one way to keep your body's air conditioner working. Keep these tips in mind to help your body stay cool: Keep a water bottle handy when bicycling or walking. Try to drink about 10 ounces — that's about 10 large gulps from your water bottle — every 15-20 minutes. Don't depend on your thirst to tell you whether or not your body needs a refill. Make sure you drink water a few hours before gearing up for physical activities, and keep drinking after you're done. Stay away from drinks that have caffeine, lots of sugar, or carbonation in them — like soda or tea. _ Sports drinks are great when you're active, but not when your done — they have high levels of sugar, salt, and potassium that you don't really need unless you are working your body hard.
Source: http://www.bam.gov/sub_yoursafety/index.html

Sun Protection
The sun is strongest between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon, and wearing sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is recommended between those times. Make sure your sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Put it on 30 minutes before you go out in the sun, and reapply every couple of hours. Sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays are also recommended.
Source: http://www.bam.gov/sub_yoursafety/index.html (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Body and Mind)

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat Exhaustion occurs when fluid losses from sweating and respiration are greater than internal fluid reserves. Its symptoms may include sweating, pale and clammy skin, increased pulse, increased respiration, normal or slightly elevated temperature, decreased urine output, anxiety, nausea and vomiting. Treatment includes having the person lie or sit down (preferably in the shade or in a cool environment), elevating the feet and giving fluids (particularly those containing salt), and refraining from vigorous activity for at least the rest of that day. Heat Stroke is a life threatening medical emergency; victims can die within minutes if not properly treated. Heat Stroke is caused by an increase in the body's core temperature, with core temperatures over 105 deg F; (41 deg C) possibly leading to death. Its symptoms may include hot skin, pale skin, increased pulse rate, increased respiration, increased temperature, decreased urine output, severe changes in mental status, and dilated pupils. Treatment must include efforts to reduce body temperature immediately, volume replacement and basic life support, CPR if necessary.
Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nasd/docs/d001201-d001300/d001215/d001215.html (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Ag Safety Database)

Trailnetiquette Safety Tips

Please follow these guidelines:

• Bicycles are legal vehicles and as such belong on roads. Therefore, cyclists must adhere to applicable laws just like any other responsible vehicle operator.
• By law, cyclists must ride to the right except when the road is too narrow, when turning, when avoiding a hazard and may ride two abreast if not impeding faster traffic.
• Use hand signals and obey traffic signs, lights, and markings.
• Ride predictably, in a straight line, not swerving in and out of parked cars, etc.
• On group rides, verbally warn fellow riders of hazards, i.e., "car up", "car back", "turning left", “gravel", etc.
• Be courteous to motorists, local residents and business owners. Remember, you are an ambassador for the entire bicycling community!
• Make sure motorists see you before entering an intersection, including side streets and alleys. Try to make eye contact with the motorist to ensure that you are seen.
• Wear a properly fitted helmet (level and snug). Helmets are required by law in some of the communities we ride through.
• Trail Users - Cyclists slow down based on conditions, especially other trail traffic; Walkers increase personal safety by walking single file when encountering other trail users; be courteous to other trail users as these are multiuse trails

Bike Safety Rodeos
Our Rodeos include, bike safety checks, local hospitals’ bike helmet programs (nominal charge helmets and helmet fittings), bike safety presentation, practice courses and safety quiz. All participants receive a water bottle, reflective zipper pull and certificate after completing a safety quiz. For more information or to schedule a Bike Rodeo, call 314/416-9930 x 104 or

Bicycle/Walking Policy and Legislation
Missouri and Illinois policies and legislation are presented below. Also check you local municipal ordinances for additional regulations, such as helmet laws.

Missouri
By law bicyclists are to ride on the right with the flow of other traffic. By law pedestrians are required to walk on the left, facing traffic. Bicycles are classified as vehicles in all 50 states and their operators are subject to all the rights and responsibilities of other vehicle operators. By state law, motorists are required to yield to all pedestrians in marked or unmarked crosswalks.

• For more information on Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy and Legislation from the Missouri Department of Transportation

• Missouri Bicycle Statutes - http://www.modot.org/othertransportation/bike_ped/
documents /biketips_statutes05_000.pdf (9 kb, 2 pages)

• Missouri Pedestrian Statutes - http://www.modot.org/othertransportation/bike_ped/
documents/PedTips_PedLaws.pdf (11 kb, 2 pages)

Illinois
On most roadways, bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Bicyclists are prohibited on limited-access highways, expressways and certain other marked roadways. Without a vehicle or protective equipment, pedestrians are the roadway users most at risk in traffic. Drivers and pedestrians are both responsible for traffic safety. A simple rule is that drivers should always be prepared to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.

For more information on Illinois Bicycle and Pedestrian Policy and Legislation from the Illinois Department of Transportation

View the official wording of the law