We work hard to protect the safety of our residents. When it comes to having motorist, bicyclists and pedestrians sharing the roadway, the responsibility is a "two-way street." Following these important guidelines will help improve street safety for bicyclists, motorists and pedestrians.
City of Eagan Roadway Safety Plan - Moving Toward ZERO Deaths.
City of Eagan Bike and Pedestrian Transportation Master Plan
Bicyclists
Follow the Law
- Follow the law - obey all traffic signs and signals. Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Be predictable - maintain a straight course and avoid weaving between parked cars.
- Communicate your intent - look, yield to traffic and signal before turning or changing lanes.
Share the Road
- Use extreme caution near commercial vehicles - pass only on the left and recognize drivers’ blind spots.
- See and be seen - wear bright colors, reflective gear and use head and tail lights.
Safety
- Stick to roads and trails - sidewalk riding puts you at risk for crashes at driveways and intersections. Always yield to pedestrians.
- Protect yourself - wear a helmet.
- Avoid distracted bicycling - put away mobile devices and headphones.
Motorists
MOTORISTS - BICYCLISTS
Look-out for bicyclists
- Be patient when passing a bicyclist - slow down and pass only when it’s safe. Allow clearance of at least three feet.
- Look before you merge - check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes.
- Be on the lookout - watch for and yield to bicyclists before making a turn.
- Use extra caution around young bicyclists - children’s movements can be unpredictable.
- Be respectful - don’t speed past a bicyclist to make an upcoming right turn. It’s easy to misjudge how fast bicyclists are traveling.
- Exit your vehicle safely - look for bicyclists before opening your car door.
- Think before you honk - honking may startle a bicyclist and cause a crash.
MOTORISTS - PEDESTRIANS
Stop for crossing pedestrians
- Stop for crossing pedestrians at every intersection, even those without crosswalks or stop lights.
- Before making a turn, look in all directions for pedestrians.
- Leave lots of room between you and the pedestrian when stopping.
Watch for pedestrians at all times
- Scan the road and sides of the road ahead for pedestrians.
- Look carefully behind your vehicle before backing up, especially for small children.
- Watch for people in wheelchairs and motorized carts that may be below eye level.
Avoid distracted and aggressive driving
- Put away the cell phones, food and make-up.
- Stop for pedestrians, even when they are in the wrong or crossing mid-block.
- Never pass or drive around a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
- Obey speed limits and come to a complete stop at STOP signs.
CROSSWALK LAW
- Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.
Pedestrians
Look before you cross
- Make eye contact with drivers and ensure they see you and will stop.
- Clearly show your intentions to cross.
- Watch for turning and passing vehicles.
- Look across ALL lanes for moving vehicles before proceeding.
Make yourself visible to drivers
- Stand clear of buses, hedges, parked cars or other obstacles before crossing.
- Cross in a well-lit area at night.
- Wear bright-colored clothing and reflective material.
- Mount a safety flag on a wheelchair, motorized cart or stroller.
Avoid dangerous and distracted behaviors
- Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections; don’t cross-mid block.
- Remove headphones and stay off cell phones while crossing.
- Obey all traffic signals.
- Don't solely rely on traffic signals; look for vehicles before crossing.
- Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
- If intoxicated, don't walk without assistance—a cab ride home may be a safer option.
CROSSWALK LAW
- Drivers must stop for crossing pedestrians at marked crosswalks and at all intersections without crosswalks or stop lights.
- Pedestrians must obey traffic signs and signals at all intersections that have them.