Town roadways are being used for biking, running, roller blading, and training for the ski season. Although many of our community roadways are lightly traveled and safe, they are limited to travel lanes without shoulders. This design requires that motorists and outdoor enthusiasts share the roadway and exercise caution and courtesy. Below are the rules of the road for those exercising on public roadways, as well as some general safety tips. Please review this information to ensure your safety as you enjoy the outdoors during hunting seasons and the darker months of winter. Stay safe and have fun! Bicyclists: Vermont law requires bicyclists to ride as near the right side of the roadway as possible. Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast (except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.) When riding two abreast, riders may not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. An ordinance in downtown Middlebury prohibits bicycling on sidewalks. Wearing a helmet is not required by law but strongly encouraged.
Runners and Walkers: By law, pedestrians walking or running along and upon a roadway are to walk or run only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing the direction of possible oncoming traffic. Running with a partner can increase personal safety, but everyone must run single file to avoid impeding the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, a law violation. Continually monitor your surroundings and wear reflective clothing or tape so that drivers will be able to see you. Where public sidewalks are provided pedestrians may not walk along or upon an adjacent roadway. If you run or walk with portable music and headphones, make sure that the volume does not prevent you from hearing audible signals such as sirens and vehicle horns. Always be sure to look before crossing a roadway, even if you have the right of way, such as when within a crosswalk.
Roller Skiers: When equipped with skis on wheels and occupying a portion of a public roadway, you fall under the same requirements for using the roadway as pedestrians (see "Runners and Walkers" section above). You are not permitted to occupy an entire travel lane and are to ski only on the left side of the roadway or its shoulder facing the direction of possible oncoming traffic.
Hunting seasons: Hunting seasons are currently open throughout Vermont. Increasing your visibility is an important precautionary step to improve your personal safety while enjoying outdoor activities. Bright clothing, in colors such as blaze orange or bright red, should be worn when your activity takes you into rural or wooded areas. Being highly visible can decrease the chances of an accident.
General Safety Tips:
- Wear reflective materials when using the roadways – especially at dusk, dawn or after dark.
- Stay near the road edge and walk facing oncoming traffic.
- Watch traffic carefully at intersections, driveways, and when approaching curves or hills.