Sharing the Road

Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan campus are excellent places to jog or walk. However, it’s essential as a pedestrian to be vigilant and pay attention to your surroundings, especially at night or whenever you’re jogging or walking alone. The following guidelines can help you stay safe:

• Look before stepping onto the road. Cars could still pass even when a light turns green or the walk sign appears. Look out for cars backing out of driveways.
• Let vehicles pass. Some might not have enough time to stop for you.
• Don't cross when the “Don't Walk” signal is flashing. If it begins flashing while you're crossing, continue to cross.
• Always cross streets at crosswalks when they are available. If there isn’t a crosswalk, cross at a well-lit place where drivers can see you.
• Be predictable. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
• Keep alert at all times. Do not be distracted by electronic devices that take your eyes off the road. When listening to something, make sure the sound is appropriate to limit any distractions from the road.
• Never assume a driver sees you. Make sure drivers see you by making eye contact as they approach.

Safe driving protects your life and the lives of everyone on the road. Being proactive about your safety is especially important in a state like Michigan, where the weather can make driving more dangerous.The following guidelines can help keep you safe:

• Assume the pedestrian doesn’t see you. Always be prepared to yield to pedestrians when they’re in a crosswalk and be extra cautious when backing up.
• Don’t use anything that distracts you. Taking your eyes, ears or mind off the road, even for a split second, can lead to an accident.
• Be cautious of pedestrians, especially in bad weather. In these conditions, it's more difficult to see pedestrians, and pedestrians may not follow safety rules as they should.
• Double the predicted space between you and the car in front of you. When driving in hazardous conditions, braking takes longer on slippery roads, so allow yourself more room.
• Follow the speed limit. Drivers should follow the speed limit in neighborhoods and school zones.
• Stay out of bike lanes. Bike lanes are for bikes only, and it is illegal for cars to drive or park in them.

Ann Arbor was named by the League of American Bicyclists as a silver-level “Bicycle Friendly City” in 2009, 2013, and 2017 and was awarded a Gold-level Bicycle Friendly Community Award in 2021. Why? Because we strive as a community to make biking a convenient and safe mode of transportation for everyone involved: cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. A good biking experience is only possible when all parties abide by the following rules of the road:

• Follow the law. Just like a car, obey street signs, signals and road markings.
• Give yourself space from parked cars to avoid risking a crash if a car door opens in front of you.
• Don't wear headphones. Headphones block out the sound of traffic, lowering your awareness of your surroundings.
• Learn the proper hand signals. Hand signals are essential to communicate with others.
• Stay out of blind spots. Large vehicles have substantial blind spots, making it difficult for drivers to see the environment around them.
• Prepare for wide turns. If a large vehicle is about to turn right, never ride between the car and the curb.
• Ride with the flow of traffic. If the sidewalk ends, you will already ride with the traffic flow.
• Be visible. The City of Ann Arbor requires that all cyclists use headlights and rear reflectors after sunset.