Safety should always be top of mind when it comes to all modes of transportation. It’s why we work to constantly remind drivers to be smart about speed limits - to obey them and not be an excessive speeder; to stay alert and avoid distractions, put down that phone; and to never drive while impaired. 

The list of safe driving tips is much longer, of course, and most of them involve common sense. As we approach late October, let’s also focus on the safety of those who we share the road with: bicyclists.

On Sunday, Oct. 24, the Rob Dollar Foundation will be holding its annual ride for bicyclists at South Mountain Park in Phoenix in order to place a spotlight on cycling, driving and roadway safety. The event is held in the name of Rob Dollar, an avid cyclist whose life was cut short when he was struck by a vehicle in Oct. 2017.

Here are some of the things the foundation lists on its website about drivers safely sharing the road with cyclists:

• Give 3 Feet - It’s the Law. When passing a cyclist, 5 feet of distance is preferred while 3 feet is the minimum.
• Respect the Bike Lane. Never enter a bike lane except in instances when you need to turn, enter or leave the roadway or park. Always yield to cyclists when you cross a bike lane.
• Check Blind Spots. Looking over your shoulder and checking your side-view mirror are strong habits to help avoid a collision with a cyclist. Be extra attentive when turning right as bicyclists tend to ride on the right of traffic.
• Use Turn Signals. Signaling that you intend to turn alerts bicyclists and other roadway users of your course of travel. The law requires you to signal at least 100 feet before you make your turn.
• Mind the Door Zone: Take care when opening a door into a bike lane or street so as not to hit a passing bicycle rider with your door.

At ADOT, our True North is Safely Home. Each day, each week and every year, we hope that you will strive to be an alert and safe driver, motorcyclist, bicyclist and pedestrian. Our goal remains to provide a safe state highway network for all users. For more information about cycling and pedestrian safety visit activetransportation.az.gov.  

For more information about the Rob Dollar Foundation visit RobDollarFoundation.org.   

Bicycles are a form of transportation, and because ADOT is the state's department of transportation, we want to make sure bicycle riders are safe on the roads and streets. Here are some tips for kid – and adult – riders!

Wear a helmet

Wear a bike helmet every time you’re on your bike to protect your face, head and brain if you fall down. It should fit you well and have a sticker that says it meets the rules set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Wear it so that it covers your forehead. If it tips back, have the straps tightened and always keep them fastened. Don’t wear a hat under it and take care of your helmet. If it gets damaged, it won’t protect your head as well.

The right bicycle

Having the right size bicycle is important for safety. To check the size, stand straddling the top bar of your bicycle and have both feet flat on the ground. There should be 1 to 3 inches of space between you and the top bar.

Perform a safety check

• Make sure your seat, handlebars and wheels fit tightly.
• Check and oil your chain.
• Check your brakes to make sure they're not sticking.
• Add air to your tires, if needed.

Wear the right clothes

Brightly colored clothing and reflectors on your bicycle will help others on the road to see you. Be careful not to have loose pant legs, straps or shoelaces that can get caught in your bicycle chain. Sneakers are the best kind of shoes to wear when you bicycle. Sandals, flip-flops or shoes with cleats won’t help you grip the pedals. And never go riding barefoot! Don't wear headphones or earbuds because the music can distract you from noises such as a car blowing its horn so you can get out of the way.

On the road

Always watch for cars. At intersections stop, look left, look right and look left again. It’s best to make eye contact with a driver to make sure they see you. Watch for rocks or other road hazards to prevent a crash.

Use hand signals to let others know what you plan to do. For a left turn: left arm extended straight out. Right turn: left arm bent at the elbow, or right arm extended straight out. Stopping: left arm bent down at the elbow. Now that you know more about bicycle safety, including hand signals, give yourself a big thumbs up!

Maps are an important part of transportation communication. Practice drawing a map of your neighborhood and then draw a line showing your bicycle route with this printable activity sheet. Just click on the image above and have your parents print it out! Check out the ADOT Kids website for more fun activities and information about transportation engineering and other related topics. You can also find us on social media under the hashtag #ADOTKids.

Ride safe!

The other morning, before the summer sun made it too hot, about 10 people met just south of the Loop 202 South Mountain Freeway at 40th Street. In about two months that spot will become the eastern end of a shared-use path along what used to be Pecos Road.

Four people were on bicycles, including three local cyclists and a representative of the city of Phoenix. The rest were engineers and others from the Arizona Department of Transportation, which is building the path.

The cyclists led the group slowly down the 6 miles of the path, from 40th Street to 17th Avenue, getting feedback from representatives of the bicycle community.  The others, me included, followed behind in trucks, taking lots of notes and photos.

We stopped at 32nd Street to examine how cyclists and others will safely cross the road - the only place along the route where the path crosses an open street. Riders pointed out a few areas in the pavement that need to be repaired. We looked at Desert Foothills Parkway and 17th Avenue to see how people will access the path at the diverging diamond interchanges.

At each point, construction manager Julie Gadsby and other engineers listened to the cyclists’ input and discussed possible ways to address them. We spent more than an hour covering the entire 6 miles.

Compared with a 22-mile, $1.7 billion freeway, the shared-use path might seem like a small thing. It will be about 20 feet wide, with a stripe down the center to separate cyclists from other users,  tucked in between the freeway to the north and the Gila River Indian Community to the south. But, like in many communities, bike paths and other active infrastructure provide convenient, safe opportunities for recreation and exercise in our beautiful Arizona outdoors. 

ADOT leaders have met with Ahwatukee-area residents with an interest in the path several times over the course of the last few years. Our engineers have listened to their input, working together for solutions that work not only for the cyclists but for the walkers, skaters and others who will take advantage of the path once it opens this fall.

On every project, ADOT listens to people who live, work and travel in the area to understand the impact our work will have on their lives, and then develops solutions that accommodate for as many people as possible.

There were a few other cyclists on the path with us that morning, out for a little exercise. The only problem with that: The path is not yet open. With construction equipment still out there, working on the 32nd Street interchange, the path is not a safe place for cycling, walking, skating  or running just yet. Please be patient and wait for our work to be done so we can safely open the path. We are targeting an October opening, and look forward to letting you know when the path is ready for everyone to enjoy.

Drivers in Tucson will notice many changes and upgrades to Interstate 19 between Ajo Way and Irvington Road. But something they can't see from behind the wheel is a big step-up for those living near the freeway.

The newly constructed Michigan Street Pedestrian Bridge over I-19 features new ramps that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The bridge was installed in mid-January to connect city neighborhoods on either side of the freeway. It replaced the old pedestrian bridge, which was not ADA compliant because it had stairs and no ramps.

“The new bridge is well lit, has ramps that comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and it is more aesthetically pleasing due to its artwork and more modern design,” said Senior Resident Engineer Chris Page.

You can see for yourself that "aesthestically pleasing" part in the slideshow to the right from our Flickr page.

The pedestrian bridge is part of the $84 million I-19/Ajo Way traffic interchange project, which is in the second of two construction phases.

Other work includes

• constructing a braided ramp alignment — first of its kind in southern Arizona — connecting Ajo Way with I-19 separately from the I-19 traffic exiting at Irvington Road.   
• reconstructing and widening southbound I-19 within the project area.
• widening northbound I-19 to add an auxiliary lane between Irvington Road and Ajo Way.
• completing I-19 noise walls south of Michigan Avenue and along the south side of Ajo Way between Kostka Avenue and I-19.
• completing drainage improvements and improving drainage collection features.
• replacing the Michigan Avenue pedestrian bridge.
• replacing the Santa Cruz River Bridge on Ajo Way.
• constructing bank protection and the new Rodeo Wash outlet into the Santa Cruz River.
• reconstructing and widening Ajo Way from Holiday Isle to I-19.

The first phase included a new traffic interchange at Ajo Way and I-19, major drainage improvements, sound walls, utility relocation and an upgraded traffic light at 16th Avenue.

By Kathy Cline / ADOT Communications

Warmer weather is here, and that means more bicyclists on the road, including Arizona's rural and scenic highways.

Fear not, though. It is possible for cyclists and other vehicles to co-exist safely with just a few safety tips in mind.

Share the Road, ADOT's safety guide for bicyclists and motorists, begins with this message for both:

Same road, same rules, same rights and responsibilities.

Advice for motorists includes:

• Be aware of bikes: Know where riders are at all times, and be prepared to slow down or even stop suddenly.
• Yield to bikes when turning through gaps in traffic: Make turns with extreme caution.
• Be watchful at intersections and driveways: Yield to cyclists just as you would motorists. They may be traveling faster than you expect.
• Watch out for bicyclists when making right turns: Don't turn in front of bicyclists. Be predictable and always signal your intentions.
• Give them room: By law, you must give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing. When possible, make that 5 feet for bicyclists.

And now, an important message for bicyclists: Under Arizona law, you are operating a vehicle. That means you must follow all traffic laws, like signaling lane changes and following the rules of stop signs and school zones.

Other safety advice for bicyclists includes:

• Be visible: Wear light, bright and reflective clothing. Use a rear red reflector or light and a white front headlight.
• Protect yourself: Helmets are proven to reduce the risk of brain injuries, and some cities and counties require them for bicyclists under the age of 18. Mirrors improve your overall awareness, but they have blind spots, so always scan over your shoulder before changing your line of travel or making a left turn.
• Be aware of the sun: It's more difficult for motorists to see when driving toward sunrise and sunset. Ride defensively and be prepared for the possibility that a motorist won't see you and will turn into your path unexpectedly.
• Check your bike: Be sure that brakes, gears and chains are working smoothly and that tires properly inflated.

For more tips and information, please visit ADOT's Bicycle and Pedestrian Program at AZBikePed.org. It has some great resources, including far more safety advice for bicyclists and motorists than we can fit in this blog post. There's even a link to an interactive mobile map with information on shoulder widths, grades and traffic volumes for the state highway system.

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

As the summer heat fades and weather turns comfortable, bicycles will be wheeled out of garages, pulled out of storage and return to roads and trails.

That makes this a good time to remind bicyclists and drivers what each can do to help keep the other safe on Arizona’s roads because the two-month stretch of September-October sees a high number of bicycle-related vehicle collisions.

Since 2015, Arizona has averaged almost 1,500 bicycle-related car crashes each year and a vast majority occur in urban areas, on clear days during daylight hours.

The Arizona Bicycle and Pedestrian Program offers these tips for riders and drivers:

What bicyclists can do

Bicycles Grand Canyon

• Always ride with the flow of traffic and obey the same rules of the road and traffic control devices (signals, signs, lane markings, etc.) as vehicles.
• Anticipate hazards and ride defensively.
• Be visible – wear bright colors and make eye contact with drivers.
• Wear a helmet!

What drivers can do

• Pass with care – give bicyclists plenty of room when passing.
• Be considerate – when parked on a street, look for bicyclists before opening your door.
• Children on bikes can be unpredictable – slow down and don’t expect them to follow traffic laws.

For more information on bicycling in Arizona, including a mobile-friendly bike map, visit the Arizona Bicycle and Pedestrian Program website.

This is part of a series we’re calling “Focus On Driving.” This series looks at often-overlooked measures that keep the traveling public safe – from rumble strips and barriers to the reflective paint used in lane striping – as well as timely safety topics, such as when crashes involving particular factors occur most often.

By David Woodfill / ADOT Communications

Drop those keys and strap on your helmet, bicycle enthusiasts!

We've unveiled big changes to the Cycle Arizona Bicycle User Map at AzBikePed.org that will make it easier for everyone to hit the road on two wheels.

One of the features included in the update – the first since 2009 – is a mobile-friendly online map that's compatible for iOS and Android devices. The mobile map takes features from the desktop version, such as local points-of-interest, traffic conditions and highway grades, and literally puts them in the palm of your hand.

It's simple to use too. Simply go to AZBikePed.org, select "Maps" from the drop-down menu and click the mobile-friendly version of the “Cycle Arizona Bicycle User Map."

Bike Map

Enter the location in which you plan to travel and the map will take you there.

There are two drop-down menus on the top-right side of the screen. One displays the legend with all of the map's features. They include points of interest, recreation sites, rest areas, scenic routes, highway grades, traffic volumes, shoulder widths and more. The other menu allows you to customize the map to your liking by selecting or deselecting map layers.

For example, let's say you want to see all state monument sites and points of interest, but you're not interested in nature preserves, recreation sites and parks. All you have to do is open the layers box, select the "monuments and "points of interest" and deselect "recreation," "preserves, "recreation" and "parks."

A collapsible window at the bottom of the screen allows provides you with links to other websites include local interactive maps.

Spend some time getting familiar with this innovation and its features before your next bike excursion. You'll soon wonder how you ever got along without it!