Walking - Back to School

Watch for Pedestrians:  As a driver, pay special attention to pedestrians near schools and on your neighborhood streets.  Here are some tips:  
  • Look for pedestrians at all intersections: signals, stop signs, and roundabouts.
  • Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk. Remember there is a crosswalk at the intersection of any two streets, whether marked or not.
  • Look for pedestrians when turning right on a red light, or left across oncoming lanes of traffic.
  • Use caution when passing another vehicle stopped at an intersection. They maybe stopped for a pedestrian you can't see.
  • Obey the speed limit and school zone speed limits.
  • At 20 mph it takes 19 feet to stop for a pedestrian.  At 30 mph stopping distance increases to 43 feet.  Remember the speed limit is 25 mph in a school zone.
  • Avoid distractions when you're driving, like eating or talking on a cell phone. 

Pedestrian Safety Tips: Take a few minutes to teach your child about pedestrian safety.  Remember, many accidents are preventable.  So teach your child to be a safe pedestrian.  Share these tips for safely crossing the street and practice them when you are walking together.  

  • Never dart out into the street between parked cars.
  • Always walk – don't run – across the street.
  • Stop completely at all street corners.
  • Cross streets only at intersections and crosswalks.
  • Look left, then right, and left again, before crossing.
  • Continue looking both ways as you cross the street.
  • Walk facing the flow of traffic on sidewalks and paths.
  • At signals, begin walking when the "WALK" signal is showing.  Finish crossing even when the signal flashes "DON'T WALK"!  The flashing "DON'T WALK" signal means don't step off the curb and begin crossing.

Rights and Responsibilities:  Everyone has rights and responsibilities, whether you are a pedestrian, bicyclist or a motorist.  Learn your rights and responsibilities.

Pedestrians have the right of way when in the crosswalk.  Remember there is a crosswalk at the intersection of any two streets, whether marked or not.  Pedestrians have the responsibility to:

  • Obey pedestrian signals.
  • Do not walk suddenly into the path of a vehicle.
  • Cross in the crosswalk.

Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as vehicles and can operate in the street.  Bicyclists have the responsibility to:

  • Ride in the same direction as traffic.
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and on sidewalks.
  • Be predictable and use hand signals.
  • Make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians.

Motorists have the right to expect everyone to obey traffic rules.  Motorists have the responsibility to:

  • Stop and yield to pedestrians when turning right on red.
  • Allow at least 3 feet when passing bicyclists (or any vehicle).
  • Look behind for traffic when opening your car door.
  • Be predictable and use turn signals.
  • Look for and yield to pedestrians when turning.

Pedestrian Safety Video: This 10-minute pedestrian safety video is free for citizens, neighborhood associations and community groups. To have a VHS tape or DVD sent to you, please call the Public Works Department at (360) 753-8588 or e-mail us.

Need More Information?   Contact the Public Works office.

Address:      924 7th Ave. SE, Suite A 
                   Download a printer friendly (PDF) copy of directions to our office Hours:         Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone:        (360) 753-8588 
Email:         Public Works