Street Safety Tips

Things to consider when driving a motor vehicle: 

• 20 mph is plenty. The speed limit isn’t random. Studies show a person is about 30% more likely to die if you hit them at 30 mph versus 20 mph. Driving slower saves lives. The City’s speed limit is 25 mph unless you are traveling in a Safety Zone, where the limit is 20 mph.
• Take your time turning. Most collisions between vehicles and people walking or biking happen in intersections. Turn at 5 mph and always expect people in the crosswalk.  
• Park with care. Be sure you’re not in a bike lane, and once you’re parked, always check for approaching people biking before opening your door.  
• Put your phone down. Massachusetts law prohibits people driving from using any electronic device, including mobile telephones, unless the device is used in hands-free mode. Take a pledge not to text while driving or install an app on your phone to prevent distracted driving. Ask your family and friends to do the same.
• Yield to people in crosswalks and other intersections. Crosswalks are critical connection points for people traveling. Whether the crosswalk is painted, has signage or is raised, people driving must yield to people walking or rolling in a crosswalk. Do not start driving again until they have reached the other side of the street. People driving should stop at the designated stop bars and not block the crosswalks.  
• Keep clear corners. Parked vehicles near crosswalks can blocks views of people crossing the street. By restricting parking ahead of crosswalks, we are able to increase visibility for people driving, reduce the likelihood of crashes, and improve safety for people walking and wheeling in the crosswalks. Local, state, and federal laws prohibit parking 20 feet ahead of a crosswalk or 30 feet ahead of an intersection with traffic signals.
• Pass people biking with 4 feet of space. Enacted into law in 2023, people driving must now provide a “safe passing distance” of at least 4 feet when passing people biking on the street.
• Keep bus stops clear. It’s critical for a bus stop to be able to pull up to the sidewalk to allow anyone, especially someone using a walker, wheelchair or stroller, to be able to safely get on to the bus. Parking in these spots can make this bus stop inaccessible and block bus service.  
• Keep an eye out for bikes. When exiting a car, always remember to look over your shoulder when opening your car door to avoid hitting someone biking. Make sure to slow down at intersections before taking a turn to make way for bikes.

You can refer to more information on driving rules in Massachusetts in the MassDOT Drivers Manual

Things to consider while cycling: 

• Obey traffic laws. With few exceptions, the same rules that apply to people driving apply to people biking too. This keeps everyone safer.  
• Use lights at night. Bikes are required by law to have a white light in front and red light and reflector in the back when riding at night. Wearing bright or reflective clothing also makes you more visible to people driving.
• Wear a helmet.  If you are 16 years old or younger, you must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements on any bike, anywhere, at all times. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.
• Take a lane. In heavy, slow-moving traffic, or if there is an obstacle ahead, it can be safer to ride in the middle of the traffic lane where everyone can see you if there are no separated or protected bike facilities. In these cases, taking the lane can keep everyone safer.
• Do not ride on sidewalks in business districts. Our sidewalks in business districts tend to be crowded. Please keep this space for people walking and rolling. Business districts include Union Square, Davis Square, Ball Square, and East Somerville.
• Yield to people in crosswalks, and if you’re passing someone walking or rolling, let them know you’re approaching with a bell or friendly “on your left.”
• Stop at Red Lights. The Idaho Stop is permitted in Somerville, which means that a bike can proceed on a red light after stopping. But bikes are not permitted to go on the red without stopping. People using the crosswalk have the right of way so if it is not clear to pass, remain stopped until the crossing is clear.
• Plan ahead. Refer to the Somerville Bike Map for low-stress routes on protected facilities and Neighborways.
• Be mindful by buses and trucks. People driving buses and trucks have several large blind spots on all sides of the vehicle. Ride in front or behind the bus or truck to be more visible to the person driving. Avoid being right hooked by never riding parallel to a bus or truck when approaching an intersection or bus stop.
• Use hand signals to warn other people on bikes and people driving, walking, or rolling. Bike hand signals are used to indicate travel patterns when you are biking. Raise your left arm straight out to indicate a left turn, raise your right arm straight out to indicate a right turn, and point downwards with your left arm at 90 degrees to indicate a stop or slowing  
• Not all ebikes are the same. State law defines two types of ebikes: Class 1 and Class 2. Class 1 ebikes use pedal-assist, and Class 2 ebikes have a throttle. Bluebikes ebikes are Class 1, and once riders reach 18 mph, the assistance shuts off. Ebikes are not allowed to be ridden on sidewalks. Ebikes are not allowed on "natural surface" trails unless specifically permitted. 

Things to consider while walking or rolling: 

• Be alert, especially at driveways and intersections.  Pay attention to your surroundings. If possible, make eye contact with the person driving as they approach.  
• Look left-right-left and for vehicles turning. Our streets are busy, and conditions can change rapidly.
• Avoid bike lanes. Stick to the sidewalk, and check for approaching people on bikes before crossing a bike lane.  
• Report unsafe conditions. Use 311 to report sidewalk and street concerns including issues with crosswalks, signage or traffic signals, and sidewalk repairs, as well as unshoveled sidewalks in winter.
• Aim to cross the street at designated crosswalks. Using designated crosswalks helps people driving to better see you when you are crossing the street. Wait for the walk sign before crossing a signalized intersection.