The City of Salem’s streets are busy with residents and visitors traveling in a variety of modes, from cars and buses to bicycles, feet, and assistive mobility devices. To help all roadway users navigate Salem, Mayor Dominick Pangallo and the City of Salem are releasing a list of tips for how to safely share Salem streets:
Safety tips for all users:
- Be alert for other roadway and sidewalk users
- Keep your eyes up and your phone down
- Follow the rules of the road
Safety tips when on foot or using an assistive mobility device:
- Look both ways and make eye contact with drivers or bicyclists before crossing the street
- Avoid crossing outside marked crosswalks
- Be visible
- Keep marked bicycle lanes clear for bicyclists
Driver awareness tips:
- Look out for people on foot, bicycle, or assistive mobility device at all times
- Obey speed limits and drive slowly enough to be able to stop suddenly
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks—this is MA state law
- Give bicyclists space: Maintain 4′ clearing when passing—this is MA state law
- When turning right, be sure to look for bicyclist approaching the right side of your vehicle
- When opening your vehicle door, be alert for approaching bicyclists
- Park legally and safely: Avoid blocking crosswalks and bicycle lanes or impairing visibility at intersections.
Safety tips when riding a bicycle:
- Ride in a predictable manner with the flow of cars
- Use hand signals when turning left or right
- Obey stop signs, traffic signals, and turning restrictions just as cars do
- The use of basic safety gear is encouraged (i.e. high visibility clothing and helmet)
- Use front and rear lights for riding at night— this is MA state law
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks
- Be aware of your surroundings and watch for turning vehicles
“Salem is an active, walkable city, with pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers throughout, we’re committed to safe streets for all users,” said Mayor Pangallo. “Roadway users should follow best practices to keep themselves and others safe as they move around our city. I encourage all members of the community to check out this quick guide for tips on how to safely use Salem’s streets, sidewalks, and pathways. I’m grateful to city staff and board volunteers who work so hard to make our streets safer each and every day!”
The City is always looking for ways to improve safety on its streets, sidewalks and paths. To learn more about these efforts, and how the City is prioritizing safety moving forward, please visit the Safe Streets for All Action Plan.
