As people are now home because of the Stay at Home Order, they are able to get outside a lot more. People are playing in their yards and are going on walks or bike rides more frequently. 

As someone who goes on walks and bikes often, I have noticed a lot of people do not know what side of the road to be on while walking or biking in the street. These are actual rules of the road that most people do not know about. 

If you’re riding a bike, the rule is to go with the flow of traffic, meaning you are always going to be on the right side of the road. If you are walking, the rule states that you should be going against the flow of traffic, or always be on the left side of the road. 

Bike riders in Michigan also have to follow the same rules of the road as motorized vehicles. According to the office of Secretary of State, on michigan.gov “Bicyclists should: Obey the rules of the road as any other vehicle operator, including all traffic signs, lane markings and signals, and use hand signals to indicate turns, slowing or stopping.” Bicyclists also have to yield to pedestrians. 

These rules are in place for the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. If you are walking, it is easier for a car to see you and for you to see the car, if you are walking on the left side of the road. If need be, you can get out of the way of the car quicker. 

Bicycles are all meant to have red reflectors on the back, so when headlights shine onto the bike, they will light up and the car will know there is a bike there.

Additionally, cyclists should be wearing a helmet while they are biking on the road. Please, wear a helmet. 

A simple way to remember these rules are: Biking With / Walking Against [traffic]. These rules are in place for your safety. Stay safe and enjoy your outdoor exercise.