Car-Free Diet

Be a PAL on Arlington's Streets

As more people go on Arlington’s Car-Free Diet, there are more cyclists and walkers sharing the street with drivers. Whether you’re on two feet, two wheels or four wheels, everyone needs to be a PAL to safely share the streets.

Being a PAL means being:

• Predictable – travel in a predictable way; don’t make sudden, unexpected moves
• Alert – pay attention to your surroundings and to others
• Lawful – obey the traffic laws, whether in a car, on a bike, or on foot

Click to enlarge this street scene (PDF, 4.6 MB, Adobe Reader required), illustrating some useful safety and courtesy tips for walking, cycling and driving. Spanish version (PDF, 3.2 MB, Adobe Reader required).

Share the Streets: We’re All in This Together

Whether you are walking, cycling or driving, it’s important for everyone to be a PAL and respect each other’s rights and space. A little courtesy will help everyone reach their destination safely.

Walking

• Begin crossing the street only on the “Walk” signal. Do not begin to cross after the upraised hand signal appears. Many Arlington intersections have “countdown” traffic signals that show how much time is left to cross.
• When crossing at an unsignalized intersection, make your intentions clear to drivers through eye contact or hand signals that show you plan to cross. Make sure drivers in all lanes can see you before starting to cross.
• Remember that bike riding is allowed on sidewalks in Arlington. Although cyclists are obliged to yield to pedestrians on sidewalks, try to make room for them to pass. There is room for all if everyone shows consideration.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with lights, light-colored clothing and reflective gear.
• When sidewalks are not available, walk facing traffic.

Cycling

• Cyclists are safest when they act like and are treated like drivers of vehicles.
• Use bike lanes, trails and on-street routes when possible. Ride on sidewalks ONLY when necessary.
• Always yield to pedestrians when riding on sidewalks.
• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with lights, light-colored clothing and reflective gear.
• Wear a helmet. Helmets dramatically reduce the risk of head injuries in a crash.

Driving

• Be careful when close to parked vehicles. Parked cars can obscure the presence of people about to enter the roadway.
• Obey posted speed limits. When in doubt, Arlington’s default speed limit is 25 MPH in most neighborhoods.
• Yield to pedestrians and cyclists in crosswalks.
• Be especially attentive around schools, at intersections and after dark.

For more information on how to safely share Arlington’s streets, visit BikeArlington.com and WalkArlington.com. Arlington also participates in the region's annual Street Smart safety campaign. The Street Smart program uses mass media to educate motorists and pedestrians about safety issues by creating awareness and encouraging behavioral change.