Raising traffic safety awareness is a priority for the Arlington Police Department. By implementing traffic enforcement initiatives, offering tips on sharing the road, and participating in regional programs, the APD is improving safety on the streets for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers on an ongoing basis. It's important for everyone to share the road so we can all arrive to our destinations safely.

Motorist Safety Tips

Safety is a shared responsibility—motorists need to be watchful for pedestrians and bicyclists, drive at slower speeds, avoid distraction, and know the laws regarding when pedestrians have the right-of-way.

Avoid distractions such as food, passengers, and using mobile devices. Talking and texting while driving is both dangerous and illegal.

Do NOT park in bike lanes. It is illegal and can create extremely harmful circumstances for both bicyclists and drivers.

Be prepared to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

Never pass a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.

Before making a turn, be sure the path is clear of any pedestrians or bicyclists.

Slow down in areas where you are likely to find pedestrians, such as near bus stops, schools, and playgrounds.

Look carefully behind your vehicle for approaching pedestrians before backing-up.

Keep an eye out for pedestrians at night that may be walking near or across the road.

Be prepared for bicyclists to use the entire lane. Bicyclists are entitled to the entire lane if needed.

Give bicyclists a wide berth when passing and only pass when it is safe to do so. Under the new Vulnerable Road Users Law (Mass. General Laws c.90 § 14) motorists are required to give bicyclists 4ft of space minimum when passing and at a reasonable and proper speed.

Pedestrian Safety Tips

Look for cars and bicyclists in all directions—including those turning left or right— before crossing the street; make eye contact, never assume a driver will stop.

Avoid distraction. More and more we see people texting or talking on cell phones when crossing streets; this diminishes the ability of your two key senses—hearing and seeing—that are used to detect and avoid cars. So particularly when crossing streets, put down the phone for a few seconds.

Enhance your visibility at night. Carry a flashlight, or wear something reflective, such as stickers or armbands, to be more visible.

Be careful crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.

Be predictable to drivers and follow the rules of the road—obey signs and signals.

Watch for cars backing up in parking lots; brake lights can mean that a car is about to back up.

Cross the street where you have the best view of traffic. At bus stops, cross behind the bus or at the nearest crosswalk.

Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the roadway as you can.

Bicyclist Safety Tips

Wear a helmet. It could save your life. However, helmets are fallible. Do not be fooled into a false sense of security. Riding as safely as possible is still very important.

Avoid distractions such as listening to headphones or answering phones when riding.

Obey all signs and signals. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights.

Under the Vulnerable Road Users Law (Mass. General Laws c.90 § 14) bicyclists are required to use a front white light and rear red light and rear reflector when riding at night. Use a light and reflectors when bicycling at night and be as visible as possible.

Ride in the direction of traffic. Drivers may not be looking for you if you are riding the wrong way.

Use all of your senses – watch and listen for cars, particularly at intersections and driveways.  

Traffic Safety Initiatives