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Bike and Pedestrian Safety

Contributed by: Safe Kids

At Safe Kids Rutherford/Polk, we’re proud to partner with the Thermal Belt Rail Trail to raise awareness about bike and pedestrian safety. Trails like these are incredible assets to our community—but only if we all do our part to keep users safe. Whether you're walking, biking, or behind the wheel near a trail crossing, we each share the responsibility of protecting one another.

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THE PROBLEM: Each year more than 3,000 pedestrians and 850 bicyclists are hit by drivers in North Carolina, making it one of the least safe states in the US for walking and bicycling. Of those, about 180 are killed, representing about 15% of all traffic fatalities that occur on North Carolina roads. By learning more about how to be a safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian, we can ultimately, reduce the number of people hit or killed by vehicles on our streets.

Know the Rules of the Road:

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MOTORIST

  • Avoid distractions, such as using your phone.

  • Don't exceed speed limits and drive at speeds safe for the road and weather conditions.

  • Know when pedestrians or bicyclists have the right-of-way, like at a crosswalk.

  • Give a bicyclist at least four feet of space when passing.

  • Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

  • Look behind your vehicle for pedestrians before backing-up.

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  • Wear a helmet. It could save your life.

  • Use a light, reflectors and/or reflective clothing when bicycling at night.

  • Ride in the direction of traffic and obey the rules of the road.

  • Watch and listen for cars, particularly at intersections and driveways.


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  • Look for cars in all directions before crossing the street; never assume a driver will stop.

  • At night, walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight or wear reflective clothing.

  • Avoid distraction, especially using your phone when crossing the street.

  • Watch for cars backing up in parking lots and driveways.

  • Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.


As part of our collaboration, safety tips from Safe Kids are featured on all seven kiosks along the Thermal Belt Rail Trail official access points. These messages serve as a reminder that simple choices—like wearing a helmet, staying alert, and obeying crosswalk signals—can make a big difference.


Together, we can make North Carolina’s trails safer for all users and drivers.


Look for our messages and share them with others to help build a safer, stronger community.


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