PennDOT, Safety Partners Highlight Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety During National Bicycle Safety Month and Pedestrian Enforcement Wave

Pittsburgh, PA - The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), AAA East Central, and the Port Authority Police gathered today in Schenley Plaza on the University of Pittsburgh's campus to host a pop-up bike and pedestrian safety celebration.

May is National Bicycle Safety Month. There is also a Pedestrian Enforcement Wave running through May 12 with a focus on yielding to pedestrians and safe crossing in crosswalks.

The Schenley Plaza corridor located along Forbes Avenue in the City of Pittsburgh is a highly congested area with commuters utilizing multiple modes of transportation including bike riding, walking, driving, and public buses. This makes it a prime location to discuss bicycle safety among motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians alike.

As the weather breaks, more bicyclists and pedestrians are expected to be on the road. In southwest Pennsylvania, the City of Pittsburgh has a high-volume motorist, bicyclist, and pedestrian presence. The safety partners urge each group to work together to maintain a safer roadway.

PennDOT addressed bicycle safety and "Share the Road" tips, which include following the same responsibilities as a vehicle driver. Bicyclists are expected to obey all traffic laws, including but not limited to, riding on the right side of the road, abiding by traffics signs and signals, and using turn signals. However, they may travel at less than the posted minimum speed. Additionally, bicyclists may operate on a shoulder or berm but are not required to do so.

Motorists are reminded it is illegal to force a bicyclist off the road and violators may face criminal charges. When passing a bicyclist, motorists must allow at least four feetbetween their vehicle and the bicycle. Motorists should check for bicyclists in mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes and at intersections, as bicycles are small and may be difficult to see.

AAA East Central discussed wearing a properly fitted helmet and the importance of knowing how to fit yourself. Anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. However, the safety partners strongly recommend all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride.

The Port Authority of Allegheny County Police shared information on how to properly and safely mount your bike on their buses. They also highlighted the importance of following the rules of the road and working together with all modes of transportation to ensure everyone's safety.

Finally, the partners also shared pedestrian safety information, reminding walkers to use crosswalks, obey traffic signals, and remain alert. Visibility is also key to a pedestrian's safety. Pedestrians are encouraged to make themselves visible by wearing brightly colored clothing, reflective gear, flashing lights, or carry a flashlight.

For more information on traffic safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/safety.

PennDOT's media center offers social-media-sized graphics highlighting topics such as seat belts, impaired driving, and distracted driving for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders.

For regional updates, follow PennDOT on X and join the Greater Pittsburgh Area PennDOT Facebook group.

​Contact: Yasmeen Manyisha, [email protected]

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