PRIORITY AREA

Safe active transportation

Brake for pedestrians. Watch out for walkers, bikers, and rollers.

Road leading upto a snow covered mountain

Data trends

  • 165%

    Pedestrian fatalities in King County increased by 165% over the last decade.

  • Disproportionate Impact

    Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) pedestrians are disproportionately impacted by traffic collisions.

  • 90%

    Personal bike and scooter riders are much more likely to wear helmets than public e-bike and e-scooter riders, at 90% compared to 10%.

The law

Every intersection is legally considered a crosswalk.

Crosswalk Laws

Every intersection is legally considered a crosswalk. Drivers must stop for walkers, bikers, and rollers at intersections, whether it’s an unmarked or marked crosswalk. It’s illegal to pass another vehicle stopped for someone at a crosswalk.

The penalty

Failure to yield for a walker, biker, or roller results in a $250 fine. Failure to yield within a school, playground, or crosswalk speed zone results in a larger fine with half the money going towards the school safety fund.

How you can help

  1. Drivers – Look out for pedestrians

    Pay special attention at night and when the weather is poor and it’s harder to see.

  2. Drivers – Prepare to stop

    Slow down when turning or entering a crosswalk, use extra caution when turning right on red.

  3. Drivers – Yield to pedestrians

    Stop for walkers, bikers, and rollers well behind the crosswalk to help other vehicles see them too. Remember all intersections are crosswalks, even if unmarked.

  4. Drivers – Drive sober and focused

    Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Stay off your phone and alert to what’s happening around you.

  5. Drivers – Slow down


    Follow the speed limit, especially in busy areas, school zones, and neighborhoods. Be extra cautious when backing up.

  6. Walkers – Use a sidewalk/face traffic

    If there’s a sidewalk, use it. If not, walk on the left side of the road and face traffic to see oncoming cars and drivers.

  7. Walkers – Walk safely


    Always obey road signs and signals. Don’t run, push, or play near traffic, and put phones and headphones away.

  8. Walkers – Cross at crosswalks


    Always cross at crosswalks or intersections. If there is no crosswalk, cross at a well-lit area with the best traffic view. Look for cars in all directions before crossing.

  9. Walkers – Beware of driveways and parking lots


    Be extra alert for cars entering and exiting these locations.

  10. Walkers – Dress to be seen


    Wear bright or reflective clothing when you can, especially at night.

  11. Bikers / Rollers – Wear a helmet


    Make sure it fits snugly on your head to reduce your risk of serious head injuries.

  12. Bikers / Rollers – Be visible

    Use headlights, tail lights, and bright or reflective clothing to help drivers see you sooner.

  13. Bikers / Rollers – Be predictable


    Follow traffic laws and use hand signals to let drivers know where you’re heading.

  14. Bikers / Rollers – Stay focused


    Don’t let your phone or technology distract from what’s around you.

Campaigns

Click to view the campaign PDF

PDF Walker & Roller Safety Toolkit (opens in new tab)