Share the Road

A Share the Road campaign in University City--aimed at educating bicyclists and motorists about their responsibilities to abide by the rules of the road--was set in motion last winter. In an effort to increase safety for both bicyclists and pedestrians, members of the University City community joined with the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) to encourage safe riding and driving.

Below are some tips on safe riding.

For bicyclists: stay off the sidewalks; ride on the right; be aware and be visible; obey all traffic signs and signals; always wear a helmet; beware of the "door zone."

For motorists: be aware; pass with care; yield to bicyclists; don't honk your horn at bicyclists; don't drive in a bike lane; look in your rear view mirror before opening your car door.

For more information on sharing the road, see www.share-the-road.org or www.dvrpc.org.

What does it mean to "Share the Road?"

• By law, bicyclists may use the road in the same ways as motorists.
• Bicyclists may "take the lane" when traveling as fast as traffic.
• It is illegal to bike on sidewalks in Philadelphia if you're older than 12.
• It is illegal to drive or park in a bike lane.
• The same right of way rules apply to cars and bikes.
• Bicyclists must have a working headlight and rear reflector when riding at night.
• Wearing a helmet can save your life.
• Knowing that a car door opening unexpectedly into the path of a bicyclist can be deadly.
• Knowing that sidewalk riding and wrong-way riding are among the leading causes of car-bike crashes.
• With the right skills and knowledge, riding in the street can be faster and safer than riding on the sidewalk.

  Almanac, Vol. 50, No. 7, October 7, 2003