This is the season when daylight is slipping away, but many of us still enjoy walking, jogging, or bicycling to get fresh air and exercise – even in the dark. Our police occasionally receive reports of pedestrians who experience some dangerous near misses with vehicles. Let’s keep the following tips in mind so that we can all stay safe:

• Make yourself visible to drivers. Wear bright/light colored clothing and reflective materials.
• Avoid dangerous behaviors. Use the City’s leisure trails and sidewalks whenever possible instead of walking or jogging in the roadway. Don’t assume vehicles will stop – make eye contact with drivers.
• Cross at crosswalks. No matter the time of year, it’s important to cross at designated crosswalks. Once a pedestrian HAS ENTERED the crosswalk, that pedestrian has the right of way and motorists must yield. Watch for turning vehicles – make sure the driver sees you and will stop for you.
• Make use of pedestrian crossing signals. The flashing lights will help alert motorists that you are about to cross the street. Four of our pedestrian crossings are at the Main & Market roundabout.
• Do not cut across the center island of roundabouts. The same rules apply at roundabouts as with regular intersections. Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks but look and listen for safe gaps in traffic before trying to cross.

Click here for additional safety tips for both pedestrians and motorists.