The City of Pleasanton supports walking and biking as safe and healthy alternatives to driving.  We continue to promote and develop our network of safe, convenient and attractive bicycle and pedestrian facilities. This benefits the entire City through less traffic congestion and reduced air pollution.perations

T

Though pedestrians have the right of way over motorists, this does not protect you against a careless motorist. For this reason it is important for pedestrians to always remain alert and follow the suggestions outlined below:

• Cross intersections defensively
• Always cross as quickly as possible to minimize your time in the roadway
• When crossing, stop at the edge of the street and look left, right and left again before proceeding
• Always watch for turning vehicles (You may have the legal right to be there, but that doesn’t protect you from the carelessness of some motorists)
• Always use sidewalks when they are available
• Wait for vehicles to make a complete stop
• Look for reverse lights and be aware around parked cars and driveways
• Stay alert! Vehicles may be approaching more quickly than you think
• Always cross at intersections and preferably in marked crosswalks (Do not jaywalk or cross from between parked cars)
• Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you

 For more information on pedestrian safety click here.

i

gnal Timing

Bicyclists who are riding with traffic are required to follow all of the same rules as a motor vehicle would.  The number one cause of bicyclist collisions on the roadway is riding against the flow of traffic.  It is important to always ride with traffic when you are bicycling on the roadway.  Even a low speed collision with a vehicle can cause major injury to a bicyclist.  For this reason it is important to be alert and follow the suggestions outlined below:

• Most bicycle riding is done on roads and streets shared with motor vehicles. For your safety and the safety of others, obey the rules of the road as if you were driving a car – stop at stop signs, red lights, and signal before turning or changing lanes.
• Always ride on the right side of the road. Stay in single file as far to the right as practical. It's both dangerous and illegal to ride on the left side of a two-way roadway.
• Be extremely cautious when traveling through intersections. Be aware of traffic around you, and be prepared to brake quickly.
• Avoid traveling along the side of cars when passing through intersections -- they may turn in front of you without warning.
• Use extreme caution when passing parked cars, as occupants may not see you when opening doors or pulling out of parking spaces.
• Make sure your bicycle is well maintained and adjusted, with particular emphasis on adequate brakes and tires.
• Make sure to have a good light and reflectors when traveling at times of darkness. Bright clothing is also helpful.
• Make sure you are wearing a helmet and that it is properly secured to you head.  Head injuries are the most common serious injury suffered by bicyclists.
• Have a rear view mirror attached to the helmet, glasses, or handlebars to permit evasive action without doing it blindly.
• Properly register your bicycle.

For more information on bicycle safety click here.

To view the current bikeways map click here.

The City has partnered with the Pleasanton Unified School District to create the “Rides to School” program designed to lessen the impacts of school related traffic.  Part of this program promotes walking to school.  To facilitate this, we have created route-to-school maps designating the suggested routes children can use while walking to school. Click on the name of the school you are interested in to view its map:

For more information on the “Rides to School” program (including information on carpools) click here.

The Pleasanton Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan has been completed and will be used as a planning tool for future bicycle and pedestrian facilities projects.  The goal of the plan is to increase bicycle and pedestrian opportunities to all residents.  For more information on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan click here.

To view the current bikeways map click here.