Walking Resources

Walking Tips

Before crossing the street, scan in all directions. Look left, right, and then left again. Also, check for vehicles which may be entering the roadway from a nearby intersection of driveway.
Cross streets at marked or unmarked crosswalks. Marked crosswalks have pavement markings, pedistrian warning signs, and/or flashing lights. An unmarked crosswalk occurs at any intersection where crosswalks are not marked. If you choose to cross mid-block, you must yield to vehicles (unless the crossing is marked). Mid-block crossings are illegal if there are traffic signals at both ends of the block.
Do not enter the crosswalk if approaching vehicles cannot stop. While Minnesota's Pedestrian law says that motorists must stop to yield right-of-way to a pedestrian, it also says that pedestrians may not enter a crosswalk if it is impossible for a driver to stop. The workd "crosswak" applies to both marked and unmarked areas where pedestrians can gain right-of-way.
When ready to cross a street, make eye contact with vehicle drivers, and keep your eyes and ears on vehicle speed noise. Always be prepared for a motorist who fails to yield the right-of-way. The law does not require motorists to stop for a pedestrian waiting to enter a crosswalk. If a motorist does stop, proceed cautiously to determine if other approaching vehicles are following suit. As an alternative, you can wave a stopped motorist on, if you are uncomfortable crossing while motorists are present.
Obey "Walk/Don't Walk" signals. Minnesota Signal law says that a pedestrian may only enter a signalized intersection when the "Walk" signal is shown. They may not enter a crosswalk with a flashing or steady "Don't Walk" signal.
Look carefully for vehicle emerging from alleys and driveways. While it is illegal for motorists to emerge without stopping before the sidewalk, always be prepared for a vehicle which does not stop.
Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars, and other obstacles before crossing a street, so drivers can see you.
Cross in well lit areas at night, or wear brightly colored clothing or reflective materials. Carrying a flashlight at night can also make you more visibile to drivers.
Watch out for vehicles which are backing up in parking lots, driveways, or on the street. Look for backup lights and listen for vehicle noise.
Don't walk after consuming alcohol or other drugs. Drunk walking increases you changes of being stuck.
Keep distractions to minimum - do not use cell phones or headphones when you are crossing a street.
Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk on either side of the street, or if the sidewalk is inaccessible, walk facing vehicles.
Proceed carefully when crossing, never run into the street.

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