In order to keep bicyclists, pedestrians and drivers safe on the roadway, it takes a group effort. Many think that it is just the driver of a vehicle that must look out for cyclists and pedestrians while they are on the road, but walkers and bikers also have a responsibility to follow the laws put in place for them. The laws are set up in order to make sure traffic runs as smoothly as possible, but if they are unknown or not followed, serious accidents can occur.
Officials with the Kansas State Police are reminding students and residents near Kansas State University of the traffic laws in order to keep everyone safe. For example, if a bicyclist or pedestrian fails to press the crosswalk button, they are breaking the law.
Many students ride their bikes to class everyday and some have stated that they feel as if drivers get really close to their bicycles because they are frustrated that they have to share the roadway.
Under Kansas law, pedestrians have the right of way when crossing the street and while this is true, they also must give drivers on the roadway enough time to stop their cars.
According to the annotated Kansas Statutes, Chapter 8, Article 15, “No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard.” It is a responsibility of all on the roadway to make sure that pedestrians are safe.