chapter 6 — sharing the road think  do  Strategies: being a safe pedestrian Cyclists  Know the rules  — you must yield to pedestrians:  It is always the driver’s responsibility to avoid hitting a pedestrian.  Speed control and space margins  Slow down when you see pedestrians who might enter your  path, and give them plenty of room. Just as drivers need to carefully observe for pedestrians,  pedestrians also need to carefully observe for drivers.  You can make yourself safer when you are walking by  remembering a few simple rules:  Cyclists commute to work as well as ride for recreation, so you  can expect to see them on the road at any time of the day or  night. Be aware that bicycle riders have the same rights and  responsibilities on the road as drivers. Observe carefully at all  times. Cyclists, like pedestrians, are vulnerable.  • Always activate the pedestrian crossing signal if there  is one. • Use crosswalks. Don’t jaywalk.  • Do not start to cross if the traffic signal is flashing a  warning (for example, an orange hand).  • Always hold a child’s hand while crossing the street until  he or she is old enough to understand safety rules.  • Watch for vehicles that are turning.  • Do not leave the curb unless you are sure the  approaching vehicles on the cross street have stopped  or will stop.  • in marked crosswalks, if the pedestrian is close to your half of  the road  • at intersections (pedestrians near your half of the road  still have the right‑of‑way even when there is no marked  crosswalk)  • when turning  • when entering a road from a driveway or alley.  85