Bike Safety

View Arlington’s Bike Level of Comfort Map

Why Bike Safety Matters:

People on bikes are particularly vulnerable to injury because, unlike occupants of motor vehicles, they lack the protection of a metal frame. For example, over a five-year period in Arlington, 2% of crashes involving only vehicles result in critical injuries while 9% of all bike crashes result in critical injuries. That means that a person on a bike is more than 4 times as likely to be involved in a severe crash as a person in a vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial for drivers to be alert and drive slowly, especially in areas with lots of bicycle traffic.

What you can do as a driver:

GO SLOW: Slower speeds increase reaction time and reduce the severity of crashes involving people on bikes.
SIGNALS, SIGNS, MARKINGS: Obey all traffic laws, including traffic signals, signs and lane markings.
THREE FEET: Give people on bikes three feet of space before passing. It’s the law.
BE ALERT: Look and stop for people on bikes in crosswalks or trail crossings, always checking blind spots before proceeding.
LOOK BEFORE GETTING OUT: Aways look for oncoming bikes before opening your door, especially where bike lanes are present.
LOOK TWICE BEFORE TURNING: Look out for people on bikes at signalized intersections, especially when making turns. Always check for bikes before turning right.
EYE CONTACT: Make eye contact with people on bikes before crossing paths.
GIVE SPACE FOR VISIBILITY: Do not block crosswalks.

What you can do on a bike:

SIGNALS, SIGNS, MARKINGS: Obey all traffic laws, including traffic signals, signs and lane markings.
RIDE RIGHT, PASS LEFT: Ride on the right side of the road with the flow of traffic. Pass slower or stopped vehicles on their left.
CURB RULE: Ride far enough away from the curb to avoid car doors, potholes, debris and sewer grates
BE ALERT: Scan the route ahead for traffic, pedestrians and obstacles on the road.
RIDE PREDICTABLY: Make sure others can see you and predict your movements. Use hand signals to indicate turns.
EYE CONTACT: Make eye contact with motorists and pedestrians before crossing paths.
TWO HANDS: Except when signaling, keep both hands on the handlebars and be ready to brake.
VISIBILITY: Be visible by using lights and wearing reflective gear.

Learn More:

How to be a bike friendly driver - Bicycle Network in Australia
Bicycle Friendly Driver Training - The League of American Bicyclists
Watch Informative Videos About Biking in Arlington - Bike Arlington
Check out the League of American Bicyclists Learning Center
Learn to Bike Safely - the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Arlington’s Bike Level of Comfort Map

Resources

Report a Safety Issue

Using the County’s Request for Service portal, pin/type the issue's location. Select “Transportation/Safety Investigation” and provide details, even photos.