Signaling & Scanning

You should always let others know when you are turning, changing lanes or stopping — both for safety reasons, and because it’s the law.

While cars and motorcycles have devices built in, like turn signals and brake lights, we have to rely on our arms to signal our intent on a bike.

Signaling

  • Left Turn: Fully extend your left arm out to the side.
  • Right Turn: Fully extend your right arm out to the side or bend your left arm up at a right angle with your hand flat. Both are legal signals, and depend on your level of comfort with which arm you use.
  • Slowing or Stopping: Extend your left arm at a right angle with your hand open and pointing down towards the ground.

Scanning

Scanning is the act of looking over your shoulder, and is a key part of riding anywhere. It helps communicate your intentions to others and also shows you what is happening behind or around you.

Pro Tip: It may be difficult to scan and maintain a straight line while riding. Start by practicing scanning on a stationary bike to see your range of motion. You may want to purchase a mirror to help if you have limited range. Once you start practicing on a moving bike, if you have trouble maintaining a straight line you may want to try removing your hand (from the direction you are scanning) from the handlebars and place it on your lower back. This helps prevent your body from fully turning and pulling the handlebars. And make sure to keep peddling while scanning!

Scanning should be used in conjunction with signaling — you should scan before any turn and before making any signal.

This blog post is sponsored in part by a generous grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Fall Bike Sale

We’ve got bikes for sale!

Weather permitting we will host our Fall Bike Sale on Sunday, Sept. 10 from 1-4 p.m. at 1301 A Lincoln St. Browse used bikes refurbished by the New Standard Cycles crew for an affordable price!

Looking to build up your perfect bike? We may have the perfect part or frame to complete that build that’s been sitting in your garage.

All proceeds from the sale go to our New Standard Cycles program, which works with service agencies and nonprofits to provide bikes for those in need of reliable transportation.

Email info@bikewalksavannah.org with any questions about the sale. Cash, card, Paypal and Venmo will be accepted.

Indi 200 Road Bike – AS-IS for a 45-45″ child. Make an offer!
HARO Flightline One – 5`5″ – 5`9″ $150
Cannondale SI Black 5’9-6’0 $175
3G Bikes Cream 5’4 up $125
Schwinn Majestic White/Blue 5’6-5’9 $100
Raleigh Twenty Folding Bike Green Under 5’10 $300
Retrospec Beaumont Green 5’3-5’7 $150
Biria Easyboarding Red Unique frame – have to see for yourself! $150
Kent Bayside 2500 Black/Red 5’4-5’8 $125
Giant OCRC2 Black/Blue 5’8-5″11″ $250
Specialized Sequoia Silver-Blue 5’10-6’1″ $150
Vintage Blue 5’7″-5’10” $125
3G Bikes Green 5’4 and up $125
Schwinn Sidewinder Purple 5’4-5’8 $125
Giant OCRC2 Black/Blue 5’8-5″11″ $250
Schwinn Collegiate Yellow 5-5’4″ $250
Ocean Pacific White/Red 5’3-5’7 $125
Diamondback Outlook Black/Blue 4’8-5’1 $125
Specialized Allez Red 5’7″-5’10” $300
Electra Super Deluxe Bronze 5’10-6’1″ $175
GT Outpost Red 5’6-5’9″ $125
Huffy Cranbrook Blue 5’2-5’6″ $100

Driving Safely around People Biking

Savannah’s level topography, dense urban form, and warm weather make it a great place to get around by bike. However, Savannah also has a high rate of traffic crashes involving people on bikes.

Tips for Safe Driving Near Bicyclists

React to bicyclists as you would any other vehicle. You wouldn’t drive inches next to another car, so why would you drive so close to a person on a bike?

Don’t park in bike lanes or blocking access to multiuse paths. It may just be “for a minute”, but that minute could be the difference in someone biking safely to their destination and being put in unnecessary conflict with another driver.

If there is oncoming traffic, slow down and wait to pass until traffic clears.

  • Check for bicyclists in your blind spots
  • When driving a larger vehicle, allow extra room for mirrors, extended wheel wells, trailers, etc.
  • Large profile vehicles can create a windblast, which can knock a bicyclist off the road
  • Return to your lane when the bicyclist is in your rearview mirror
  • Do not attempt to “squeeze by”

Do not past a bicyclist before a red light or stop sign, hill, or immediately before you make a right turn.

Give at least 3 feet of space! According to the updated 3 ft to pass law, updated July 2021:

  • A driver passing a person on a bike should change lanes if road and traffic conditions allow
    • Includes allowance to pass on a double yellow when conditions are safe to do so
    • No passing into blind turns, blind hills, or oncoming traffic
  • When it is not safe to change lanes, a driver is required to slow down to 25 mph or 10 mph below the posted speed limit, whichever is greater, to execute a safe pass within the lane and shared space
  • Violations of the law carry a maximum fine of $250 as a misdemeanor offense
  • Under Georgia law, a video recording of an act is valid as a witness for enforcement of violations

Don’t drive distracted or under the influence. Again, it’s the law!

Consider driving conditions. Whether it’s raining or sunny, there’s something happening that can influence your driving. Make sure to slow down or give yourself extra room if you need it, and consider pulling over rather than powering through if conditions are dangerous.

Avoid illegal courtesies, like encouraging someone to ride through a stop sign in front of you. They may be able to see further down the street than you, or may take more time to get rolling, which can cause everyone to get frustrated.

Know where kids are biking. Children may not know the rules of the road so slow down and pay extra attention when driving in areas where children can be expected.

Interested in learning more about being a Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly Driver? Sign up for an upcoming class or view our webinar here!

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Vision Zero public survey open through Sept. 1!

Thank you to everyone who came out for the City of Savannah’s Vision Zero community meetings! 

The Savannah Vision Zero Action Plan, which was developed last year with an aim to eliminate preventable traffic fatalities, acknowledges that many factors contribute to safe mobility and sets clear objectives to achieve the overall shared goal of zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries.

At the drop-in sessions, participants were able to review information, ask questions, and provide input, and at the interactive workshops participants worked in groups to identify opportunities for improvement, areas of concern, and speak directly with City leaders and staff. 

But if you weren’t able to attend, you can still have your voice heard! An online survey containing all in-person exercises is available at savannahga.gov/visionzero through Friday, Sept. 1.

To learn more about Vision Zero and review the current plan document, visit savannahga.gov/visionzero.

What to do if you’re in a crash

If you have the misfortune of being involved in a crash, it can be overwhelming and you may not know what to do. When your blood is pumping, your mind is racing, and you may be injured, the last thing you want to do is have to Google what to do. Below are our steps for the best actions to take after a collision.

Before we start, we always recommend carrying your cell phone, ID, a listed emergency contact, and something to write with/on in case your phone is broken. A bracelet like a RoadID can provide your information, emergency contacts and allergy information if needed.

  1. Do not immediately move – you may be more injured than you think. 
  2. Dial 911. Request the police and an ambulance to your location. 
  3. Leave your bike in the same state it was after the crash. Take pictures of the scene, including your bike, any damage to yourself, damage to the motor vehicle, and license plate number.
  4. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses.
  5. Always wait for the police to arrive and file an official report.
  6. Get the business card of the officer. Write your report number on the card in addition to getting a copy.
  7. Immediately seek medical attention. When in doubt, go to the ER! 
  8. Never negotiate with the driver of the vehicle at the scene of the crash, regardless of who may be at fault. Get the driver’s name and their insurance and contact information, along with the names and contacts of any passengers. You may discover additional injuries or destruction to property after the crash.
  9. Make no statement to insurance until you talk to a lawyer. 

Involved in a crash or want to report a close call? Submit your report on our website.

Data collected from the Close Call form can help us and agency partners assess potential conflict points and the frequency of near misses (or unreported crashes) involving bicyclists, pedestrians and motor vehicle drivers. Bicycle and pedestrian related crashes are under reported and this offers another way to address persistent issues. 

If you have encountered a dangerous road hazard call 311 or visit our Report Hazards and Issues page. In an emergency, please call 911.

Riding bikes comes with risks — like all vehicles. If you have been in a crash involving a bicycle and aren’t sure where to begin, contact the Law Offices of Joseph J. Steffen, Jr. for a free consultation.

Joseph J. Steffen Jr is an avid cyclist who specializes in local bicycle law, and serves on the board of Bike Walk Savannah. His focus and passion is for safe cycling for you and your family here in the Southeast, knowing the challenges of working with police officers on their reports, and picking an unbiased jury panel at trial that will understand a cyclists right to SHARE THE ROAD.

Visit joesteffen.com/bicycle-law for more information.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Vision Zero Plan Drop-In Sessions and Interactive Workshops

In August, the City of Savannah is hosting Vision Zero drop-in sessions and interactive workshops for the public. 

Drop-in sessions: participants can stop in anytime during the session and stay for the amount of time they have available to review information, ask questions, and provide input. 

Interactive workshops: participants will be involved for the full length of the meeting, which will include presentations, Q&A, group discussion, and exercises to gather input on traffic safety needs and ideas.

Tuesday, August 8

Armstrong Center, Ballroom BC 
13040 Abercorn Street (Corner of Apache and Abercorn streets) 

  • Drop-in Session: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Interactive Workshop: 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Wednesday, August 9

Savannah Civic Center Ballroom
301 West Oglethorpe Avenue

  • Drop-in Session:  11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
  • Interactive Workshop:  6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

To learn more about Vision Zero and review the current plan document, visit www.savannahga.gov/visionzero.

Georgia Hi-Lo Trail Public Meeting and Survey

Join the Georgia Hi-Lo Trail and the Path Foundation for a public meeting to discuss the trail’s path through Chatham County!

When complete the Hi-Lo Trail will extend over 200 miles on paved surfaces from Athens to Savannah, linking communities, driving economic development, and empowering rural Georgia.

Can’t make the meeting? Check out the proposed route here: https://bit.ly/3rxh9rr and click the link at the top right to take their survey.

Making your trip with Chatham Area Transit!

Combining your biking or walking trip with public transit can help make your trip more successful. Chatham Area Transit offers a lot of options to extend your trip and help you go the distance.

All of CAT’s fixed-route buses are equipped with bike racks so you can take your bike with you at no extra cost. No special passes or training are required, and each rack can hold up to two conventional bicycles so they are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Learn more about using the bike rack on the front of CAT buses by visiting their website.

Want to plan your route, but you’re not sure where your closest stop is located — or where the route goes? Check out the CAT Tracker to view stops near you and see up to the minute information on when the next bus is going to arrive.

Extend your route downtown — for free! Thanks to a partnership with the City of Savannah, CAT operates a free downtown transit system spanning land and water.

While biking downtown might be easy, it’s a little difficult to get across the Savannah River! The Savannah Belles Ferry system provides free passage across the River between the riverwalk and Hutchinson Island from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week, and bikes are allowed.

As always, make sure to follow our biking and walking tips to make your trip as safe as possible! Visit our Resources page for more information.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Driving Safely around People Walking

It’s important to remember that we’re all people — and at some point in the day, everyone is a pedestrian.

Unfortunately pedestrian injuries and fatalities remain high, especially in Savannah. When you maintain safe speeds and practice other safe driving behaviors, our streets are safer for everyone!

Most at Risk

  • Seniors 65+
  • Kids ages 5-9
  • People under the influence

You never know who may cross your path unexpectedly, so by taking steps to be prepared and constantly paying attention, you can make sure everyone gets from where they are to where they need to be safely — including you!

Tips for how to avoid crashes involving pedestrians:

Know where people are. Does the street you’re on have sidewalks and activated crosswalks, or are people going to be forced to walk in the street or cross unexpectedly? Are there bus stops?

Do not pass stopped school buses. It’s not only the law, but stopped school buses create opportunities where kids or adults may be unexpectedly entering the roadway.

Slow down for crosswalks, regardless of if there are pedestrians. When you approach, give right-of-way to pedestrians who are waiting or in the crosswalk. Stop far enough away to indicate your intent. Scan the street before turning, as there may be someone waiting to cross on the street you’re turning onto. And remember, any intersection — whether marked or unmarked — is a space where pedestrians are legally allowed to cross.

Practice driveway safety. When we’re leaving our home or coming home is a very dangerous time for drivers. You may be distracted by opening your garage door, putting on your seatbelt, remembering your coffee, and might not be looking for kids or people walking behind your vehicle. Make sure to pay attention! Similarly, be aware when you’re in parking lots and pulling in or out of spaces.

Don’t drive distracted or under the influence. Again, it’s the law!

Consider driving conditions. Whether it’s raining or sunny, there’s something happening that can influence your driving. Make sure to slow down or give yourself extra room if you need it, and consider pulling over rather than powering through if conditions are dangerous.

Stay alert for pedestrians who may need more space. Did you notice that the street may not have sidewalks or ramps to get on those sidewalks? Do you see a pedestrian using a mobility device like a motorized wheelchair or cane, or maybe a family with small children? Make sure to give them some extra room!

Ultimately, SLOW DOWN.

Interested in learning more about being a Bicycle and Pedestrian Friendly Driver? Sign up for an upcoming class or view our webinar here!

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Walking Safely in Savannah

The greater downtown area is known for its walkability – but do you know the rules of the road?

Below are our tips for walking safely in Savannah, as well as applicable laws.

Safety Tips

  • Be predictable, and follow the rules of the road.
  • Walk on sidewalks when available and passable.
  • If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
  • Be alert! Never assume a driver sees you.
  • Whenever possible, cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions.
  • If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; if you are crossing a multi-lane road, use extra caution when crossing each lane.
  • Watch for drivers entering or exiting driveways or backing up in parking lots.

The Laws

Pedestrians crossing at any point other than a marked crosswalk or an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right of way to all vehicles on the roadway.

When a pedestrian signal says WALK, you may proceed across the roadway. When it is flashing DON’T WALK, finish your crossing and do not start crossing if you have not entered the roadway. When it is steady DON’T WALK, do not start crossing.

“Crosswalk” means (A) That part of a roadway at an intersection included within the connections of the lateral lines of the sidewalks on opposite sides of the highway measured from the curbs or in the absence of curbs, from the edges of the traversable roadway; or (B) Any portion of a roadway at an intersection or elsewhere distinctly indicated for pedestrian crossing by lines or other markings on the surface.

Crosswalks exists at most intersections whether or not they are marked by painted lines.

“Jaywalking” is not a legal term and does not appear in the Georgia Code. Even so, people often use “jaywalking” to describe a pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk. In fact, crossing the street outside of a crosswalk is perfectly LEGAL in most places, as long as the pedestrians yield to traffic.

Do not suddenly leave a curb or sidewalk and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close it is impractical for the driver to yield.

This blog post is produced thanks to support from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.