R U L E S
O F
T H E
R O A D
TIPS FOR BICYCLING AND WALKING NEAR LARGE
TRUCKS AND BUSES
Most truck drivers know to allow extra space
between themselves and other trucks and buses -
these large vehicles need room to move in traffic,
and it’s wise to give them a wide berth. But all too
often, when we’re not in a car, the good sense that
helps us stay safe around large vehicles while driving
doesn’t carry over when we’re walking or biking close
to large trucks and buses. The result of this inatten-
tion can be serious - pedestrians and bicyclists put
themselves at risk when they cross inattentively in
front of transit or school buses. Sadly, a high per-
centage of single-vehicle fatal bus accidents involves
pedestrians. The need to rethink our walking and bik-
ing habits when around large vehicles is obvious.
We can help to avoid trouble when walking or biking near large vehicles by keeping in
mind the fact that the driver of a truck or bus has several “blind spots” - certain areas
around the vehicle that the driver simply cannot see, even with the specialized side view
and fish mirrors that modern large vehicles are equipped with for safety. We have to do
our part by being “heads-up” in those situations when we find ourselves near large vehi-
cles.
Remember to wait until the bus leaves the bus stop before trying to cross the street.
Don’t cross in front of, or behind, a bus standing at a bus stop. As the bus moves away
from the curb, the driver’s attention will be directed at vehicle traffic, looking for a gap in
traffic big enough for the bus. Stay on the sidewalk until the bus leaves the stop.
STAY OUT OF THE
NO-ZONE WHEN CYCLING
OR WALKING AROUND
LARGE VEHICLES
NO
ZONE
NO ZONE
NO ZONE
NO
ZONE
The key to being safe around
large vehicles and buses is to
KNOW THE NO-ZONES.
NO-ZONES are those areas on all sides, even the front and back of large vehicles,
where the driver cannot see other vehicles or fixed objects…pedestrians or bicyclists.
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