A Safer Naper

May - Share the Road

Spring in the air and time outside is warming up, meaning our roadways and sidewalks are being shared by more people driving, cycling, playing and exercising. With so many ways to enjoy moving around in our community, it’s important to remind EVERYONE that they have a responsibility to share the road.

Here are some rules, reminders, and tips to keep drivers, cyclists, those riding electric devices, and walkers/runners safe.

Tips for Drivers

Drivers are reminded to always be vigilant and avoid distractions while driving! Additionally, drivers should follow these tips:

• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks.
• Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.
• Actively look for and yield to pedestrians, cyclists and electric device operators when turning.
• Look before opening your door.
• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles.
• Allow three feet when passing bicycles and electric devices.
• Do not block crosswalks when you stop at intersections.
• Take extra care while driving around schools, playgrounds and neighborhoods.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when driving; they impair your abilities and your judgment.

Tips for Cyclists

When traveling on city streets, cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. This means stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals and lane markings and using hand signals to let others know your intention to stop or turn. Additionally, cyclists should follow these tips:

• Do NOT ride on sidewalks in Downtown Naperville or the Riverwalk. It’s not permitted.
• Don’t wear headphones; you need to be able to hear if a vehicle is approaching.
• Slow down and check for oncoming traffic before entering any street or intersection.
• Do your best to anticipate hazards and adjust your position in traffic accordingly.
• Be predictable; ride with the flow of traffic, on the right, and in a straight line – not in and out of parked cars on the side of the street.
• Be visible and wear the proper protective gear. Wear white/light colors and/or reflective clothing when riding at night.
• Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there (but don’t always expect them to see you).
• Stay visible by riding where drivers are looking (i.e., do not pass on the right).
• Avoid riding at night. If you must ride in the dark, the law requires that your bike has a front light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet and a rear-facing red reflector visible for up to 600 feet.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs when cycling; they impair your abilities and your judgment.
• Wearing a helmet is highly recommended.

Click here to see a collection of maps highlighting excellent biking options in Naperville.

Tips for E-Bike and E-Scooter Operators

When traveling on city streets, e-bike and e-scooter operators are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. This means stopping at stop signs, obeying traffic signals and lane markings and using hand signals to let others know your intention to stop or turn. Additionally, operators should follow these rules:

• Ride on bike lanes, roadways, multi-use paths (class 1 and 2 e-bikes only) and private property with permission from the property owner.
• Do NOT ride on sidewalks or the Riverwalk.
• Meet the age requirements for e-bikes (16+ years old) and e-scooters (18+ years old).
• Make sure your device is allowed in Naperville by checking definitions and regulations at www.naperville.il.us/ebikes.
• Have the required e-bike equipment – functional brakes, front facing white light, rear-facing red reflector or light, reflective tires or wheel rims, functional speedometer (class 3 only), and a visible class label.
• Have the required e-scooter equipment – front facing white light, rear-facing red reflector or light, and functioning brakes.
• Follow applicable recommendations from the above tips for cyclists, including not wearing headphones, slowing down at intersections, anticipating hazards, being predictable/visible, and making eye contact with motorists.
• Wearing a helmet is highly recommended.

Click here to learn more about what is and isn’t permitted when it comes to riding electric devices in Naperville. 

Please note, there are state and local rules and regulations for operating e-bikes and e-scooters. Individual park and forest preserve districts can also set rules about the use of e-bikes on their property. Make sure you check with the jurisdiction you’ll be riding in for rules specific to your class of electric device.

Tips for Walkers and Runners

Whether you’re going for an afternoon stroll, commuting to work on foot or getting some exercise, it’s important to always pay attention to what’s going on around you. Additionally, pedestrians should follow these tips:

• Use signaled crosswalks when possible. Use extreme caution when crossing at intersections without signals. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area with the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic, allowing enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.
• Look both ways before crossing the street.
• Never run between cars into the street.
• Obey signs and signals.
• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far to the side of the road as possible.
• Wear clothing that allows drivers and people to see you. That means no dark clothes after dark or early in the morning. Exercising outdoors at dusk or at night can be dangerous without some type of reflective device on your clothing. Many athletic shoes have reflective qualities built in but also consider a vest complete with reflective tape.
• Keep alert! Practice situational awareness and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Runners are reminded to ALWAYS carry identification with them when they go out. If carrying a license seems too inconvenient, please consider an identification bracelet or tag for your shoe. New products designed especially for runners, bikers and other athletes have recently come on the market. A simple internet search for “runner identification bracelet” will provide numerous results.
• Watch for cars entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.

Remember, no driver, cyclist, e-bike or e-scooter operator, or pedestrian has sole right to the road. It is a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities.