I would like to commend everyone that participated in the challenge!
Not to repeat myself but contrary to popular belief, pedestrians DO
NOT have the right of way! Vehicles have the right-of-way except when
pedestrians are in a marked crosswalk (like in downtown Clinton or
Madison) where there are signs clearly posted. And bicycles have to
follow the rules of the road just like a motor vehicle. The following
is an excerpt from Chapter 3 BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY from the DOT
(http://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=1390&q=259670)
The bicycle, by law, is considered a vehicle, and as such, the operator of such vehicle, shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to motor vehicles.
The cyclist shall ride single file on the right side of the road riding in as straight a line as possible. The cyclist shall stop at intersections and stop signs and obey traffic lights as if they were driving a car. The cyclist shall also observe all traffic regulations, use hand signals when appropriate, and keep the bicycle under control at all times.
Similarly, there are State Statutes governing the use of roads and sidewalks by pedestrians. One such law requires that no pedestrian shall walk along and upon a roadway where a sidewalk adjacent to such roadway is provided and the use thereof is practicable. Where a sidewalk is not provided adjacent to a roadway, each pedestrian walking along and upon such roadway shall walk only on the shoulder thereof and as far as practicable from the edge of such roadway.
Violations, which contribute mostly toward crash involvement between bicyclist/pedestrian and motorist, are:
- 1. Biking / walking on the wrong side of the road.
2. Failure to stop completely at a stop sign.
3. Failure to yield to a motorist.
4. Weaving with a bicycle indiscriminately.
5. Violating crossing rules at intersections.
- 1. Ride as far to the right side of the road as possible
at all times.
2. Stop at all stop signs.
3. Observe all traffic regulations.
4. Slow down at unsigned intersections.
5. Ride in a straight line.
6. Use hand signals when turning.
7. Ride with bicycle under control at all times.
8. Ride single file.
9. Watch for sudden door openings of parked vehicles.
10. Yield to the motorists and stay alive.
Horseback riders are subject to, and protected by, the rules of the road. They also must ride single file near the right curb or road edge, or on a usable right shoulder, lane or path.
When you approach a horse on a public highway, you must reduce your speed (or stop, if necessary) to avoid striking, endangering or frightening a horse.
The law requires you to exercise due care when approaching a horse being ridden or led along a road. You must drive at a reasonable speed, and at a reasonable distance away from the horse. It is illegal to sound your horn when approaching or passing a horse.
Additional information concerning Road Safety for Motor Vehicle Drivers and Equestrians may be found at http://www.cthorsecouncil.org
Drive, walk & ride safely!
Margaret Tobelman