Sharing the Road Space - Road Safety for Pedestrians, Cyclists and Drivers

Introduction

In recent times, there has been a lot of talk about road safety in India. The focus is mainly on motor vehicles like cars and two-wheelers. However, the roads are meant for all to share, especially pedestrians and cyclists. All users of the road have equal rights over it. Motorists need to be in control of their vehicles at all times. Pedestrians need to use pedestrian crossings wherever possible. Cyclists must also use cycle lanes where available. They should always wear reflective clothing when riding at night.

Road Safety for Pedestrians

• Always cross the road at a designated crossing
• Be aware of the road conditions, including construction zones and areas where vehicles may be parked
• Use pedestrian crossings when available
• Do not cross the road between parked vehicles. This is particularly important in residential areas, where cars are often parked in front of houses or apartment buildings

Road Safety for Cyclists

Cyclists are an important part of any city’s transport network. They help get people around quickly, reduce congestion on roads and can reduce pollution by encouraging people to cycle instead of taking cars. However, cycling does have its risks and cyclists are at risk of injury if they don’t follow the rules of the road.

Here are some rules of the road that cyclists must follow:

• Ride on the left side of the lane, not in the center or on the right side. This allows cars to pass safely.
• Cyclists must wear helmets and reflective clothing and use lights at night.?
• Use hand signals to indicate when you're turning or stopping.
• Be aware of road conditions at all times and adjust your speed accordingly.
• Do not ride in groups or racers unless there is enough room for everyone to comfortably ride side-by-side within a single marked lane (i.e., no sharing of lanes).
• Do not assume that other drivers will see you, so make sure they do by wearing bright colors and/or reflective gear at night and during poor weather conditions (e.g., rain, fog).

Road Safety for Drivers

Drivers need to be careful of pedestrians and cyclists

Drivers should be aware of the dangers that pedestrians and cyclists pose when they are crossing the road. Pedestrians can become distracted by their phones, or may be listening to music on headphones. They may step out suddenly without looking for approaching vehicles. Drivers should also remember that pedestrians who are legally blind or have low vision cannot easily detect moving vehicles and so may not hear them coming, especially if the vehicle is close behind them or has its headlights on full beam.?

Cyclists may sometimes put themselves at risk by cycling through heavy traffic without taking care where they are going, often traveling between parked cars and moving traffic along narrow roads with limited visibility. In some cases this could result in cyclists being hit by a car door being opened unexpectedly as a driver gets out of their parked car; or being hit by an opening door on public transport as people get off buses and trams at stops along busy street during rush hour times when there are often large crowds waiting near bus stops.

We need to use our own discretion and caution when driving, cycling or walking on roads. We are all responsible for our own safety as well as that of other users of the road. Let's do our bit to make the roads safer, so all have a safe journey.

• Use pedestrian crossings. Pedestrians have the right of way when crossing a road at a pedestrian crossing. If you are driving, be careful with your speed and make sure you allow enough time for pedestrians to cross safely.
• Use designated crossings. Many roads have special crossings for cyclists and pedestrians, usually marked out with white stripes or other markings on the road surface. These provide an easy way for cyclists and pedestrians to cross busy roads safely without having to wait for traffic lights or risk their lives jumping between moving vehicles in traffic jams!
• Use zebra crossings where there are no other options available (such as when there is no cycle lane). Zebra crossings are normally located near shops so that people can quickly get across busy roads without being exposed too much while waiting at traffic lights or using pedestrian bridges which can be dangerous if they get stuck in traffic jams longer than expected - especially since it may mean they miss out on important appointments later that day).

Conclusion

In conclusion, we hope that people will think twice before they drive, cross the street or ride on the road. After all, it is a place where everyone has an equal right to be on as long as they do so responsibly and carefully.

Join us in our initiative to generate awareness among cyclists, pedestrians, and motorized vehicle riders on road safety through our robust campaign #PEDALSAFE. Visit our website to know more.

Link: https://www.switchon.org.in/pedalsafe/

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