By Randolph Williams and John Allen

At Charles River Wheelers (CRW), safety is our top priority. Whether you’re riding on city streets, suburban roads, or multi-use paths, one of the most common interactions you’ll have is with pedestrians. Here are some simple guidelines to help keep everyone—cyclists and pedestrians alike—safe and comfortable.

1.  Be Alert and Anticipate
Pedestrians can be unpredictable. They might suddenly step into a crosswalk, veer off the sidewalk, or fail to hear your approach if they’re wearing headphones. Train yourself to stay alert:

• Scan ahead for people walking, jogging, or standing.
• Slow down when you see pedestrians up ahead, especially in congested areas.
• Communicate early by calling out or using a bell well before passing.
• Inform other riders of the approaching hazard.
• Maintain enough spacing from other cyclists so you can look ahead and brake as needed. Reserve paceline riding for roads where complicated encounters are unlikely.

2.  Respect Crosswalks & Right of Way
You are required to yield right of way to, pedestrians in marked (and sometimes unmarked) crosswalks, and must always exercise due care. As a cyclist:

• Come to a full stop if a pedestrian is already crossing or about to cross.
• Watch for visual cues—sometimes pedestrians hesitate or are unsure you’ve noticed them.
• Yield even if it seems they’re pausing for you; better to err on the side of caution.

3.  Pass with Care
When you do need to pass a pedestrian:

• Alert other riders with a loud “Walker up!” (add a pointing hand signal if safe to do so)
• Announce your presence with a friendly “Behind you!” and/or a bell ring.
• Give them space—leave at least a few feet if the road or path width allows.
• A group should pass behind rather than ahead of a pedestrian who is crossing the street.
• Pass slowly if pedestrians are clustered or if children or pets are involved. Crowded space (ride starts, rest stops, farmer’s markets, etc…)  is pedestrian space. “Scooter’ your bicycle or walk.

4. Ride Predictably
Just as you want pedestrians to be predictable, they need you to be predictable, too:

• Do not “edge ride” where a pedestrian could walk out from concealment by a parked vehicle or other sight obstruction. Maintain enough clearance that you and the pedestrian would see each other in time to avoid a collision.
• Maintain a steady line rather than weaving.
• Use clear signals if you need to turn or slow down suddenly.
• Make sure that a crossing pedestrian is looking in your direction before you pass. This helps everyone navigate safely.

5. Observe Good Path Etiquette
On a path, bicyclists are the fastest users and must take special care with pedestrians.

• Keep right and pass on the left with plenty of clearance.  (Note: Rhode Island is unique in requiring pedestrians to walk on the left on paths, so be extra alert in Rhode Island.).
• Moderate your speed so that you can avoid pedestrians who unexpectedly change direction. Be aware that a child or dog may be concealed ahead of a pedestrian you are about to pass.
• Pass only once a pedestrian has responded to your bell or voice, or with plenty of clearance so that the pedestrian could not turn and collide with you. If a pedestrian is wearing headphones, you may have to get close before your bell or voice is noticed.
• Be alert to oncoming path traffic and wait until you have safe passing distance. You may have to slow to walking pace and follow a pedestrian until it becomes safe.
• Get the attention of oncoming pedestrians holding a conversation or looking at their phones – make sure that they have noticed you.
• Be especially cautious around children, who can be erratic.

6. Stay Courteous
A courteous attitude goes a long way.

• Smile or offer a simple “Thank you!” if pedestrians step aside to let you pass.
• Remember, we’re all out there to enjoy public spaces. Mutual respect keeps paths and roads welcoming.

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility. By staying aware, signaling your intentions, and respecting right-of-way rules, we can all enjoy a safer, friendlier cycling experience. Share these tips with fellow riders or new club members, and let’s continue to keep CRW rides safe and enjoyable for everyone.