A reminder of the rules of the road

It seems these days the very things that attract people to Daniel Island — the open spaces, the nature trails, the walkability — are raising concerns. With more families and workers at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, there are a lot more residents riding bikes, running and walking, and it's creating crowding issues. Here are some road rule reminders for pedestrians, drivers, and bikers so everyone can exercise and enjoy the fresh air safely, while treating others with respect.

PEDESTRIANS

Last year the Daniel island Neighborhood Association launched its "Safer Streets” Campaign that cited pedestrian responsibilities from South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 56, Chapter 5.

PEDESTRIANS MUST:
• Obey traffic control devices and traffic regulations
• Only cross in a designated crosswalk
• Stay in a place of safety when a vehicle is close enough to cause a hazard
• Use the right half of the crosswalk
• Yield to any oncoming vehicles if they are crossing the street outside of a crosswalk
• Never cross a road diagonally, unless otherwise directed to do so by traffic signals and/or road signs (Section 56 5 3150)
• Never walk on the roadway when a sidewalk is available
• Never walk on a highway, except when necessary, and only then on the shoulder.
• Walk only on the left side of the roadway.

PEDESTRIAN RIGHTS INCLUDE:
• The right to finish crossing the roadway or to cross the roadway if they are close to approaching the intersection when traffic control signals are not in place or not in operation
• The right to complete safety from vehicles when walking on a sidewalk (Section 56 5 3250).

DRIVERS

Motorists also have the legal responsibility to avoid conflicts with bicyclists while at the same time should receive respect by cyclists sharing the roads with them.
 • Bicycles are considered vehicles and should be given the appropriate right of way
• Give cyclists space to take the entire lane when hazards, road width or traffic speed dictate
• Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists.
• Look for cyclists when opening car doors
• Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections
• Motorists should reduce speed to allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections
• Check over your shoulder after passing a cyclist before moving back to normal position
• Reduce speed and leave at least three feet of space between your car and a cyclist when passing
• Wait until road and traffic conditions allow to pass safely

BIKERS

The Bike Right, Drive Right campaign, a collaborative effort between the City of Charleston and bicyclists, aims to educate about the respectful sharing of our roads.
• Bicyclists have the right to use roads and any other designated paths/routes while at the same time have the responsibility to bike right, in other words, obey the rules of the road and ride in a safe manner.
• Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights and lane markings
• The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists.
• Use hand signals to indicate your intention to stop or turn
 • Always ride in the same direction as traffic and in the lane furthest to the right
• Slower moving cyclists and motorists should stay to the right
• Anticipate hazards and adjust position accordingly
• Check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection
• Ride in straight line and don't swerve in the road or between parked cars
• At night, use a white front light, red rear light or reflector and reflective tape or clothing
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there
 • Wear brightly colored clothing
 • Wear a properly fitting helmet
• It is important to note the City of Charleston ordinance regarding bicycles on sidewalks: If you are permitted to ride on a sidewalk, upon encountering a crosswalk, you must dismount and walk your bicycle across.