Phoenix Installs New Street Signs to Discourage Bicyclists From Riding Against Traffic

(Phoenix, Ariz.)  —  Crews from the city of Phoenix Street Transportation Department are installing new street signs along popular bicycling corridors, in downtown Phoenix, to discourage bicyclists from riding against traffic. 

 

As a safe practice and per state law bicyclists should ride with traffic, not against traffic. Bicyclists that ride against traffic put themselves, and those around them, in harm’s way and are less likely to be seen by motorists. In Phoenix, between 2009 and 2013, nearly 33 percent of bicycle crashes involved wrong-way riders.

 

“We are continuing to make Phoenix into a more bike-friendly city – an important part of that is making sure bicycle riders and motorists co-exist safely,” said Mayor Greg Stanton. “Riding with the flow of traffic is the best way to see and be seen when you are on a bike and makes our roads safer for everyone.”

 

“Our great fall, winter and spring weather brings out more activity on our streets, and as Phoenix’s population and transportation infrastructure grows, highlighting safety is an important message to communicate,” said Councilwoman Thelda Williams, chair of the City Council Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee.

 

Similar to the same type of signage that is used in other cities, the new signs include a WRONG WAY warning message on a red background and are positioned to be seen by bicyclists that are wrongfully riding against traffic. Additional new signs will continue to be installed throughout designated bike lanes. 

 

Listed below are some of the primary reasons why riding against traffic is not safe:

 

• When drivers turn onto a street, they may only look for traffic coming from one direction. Riding against traffic means turning motorists may not even look for you.

• Road signs and signals are oriented towards traffic traveling in the correct direction. If you ride against traffic, you can’t see the signs and signals.

For additional information about the city’s bicycle program and bicycling safety tips, visit this link.​​