Lots more people are out and about on Norfolk roads, and it’s become apparent that many don’t know the rules of the road. People walk on the wrong side, split up parties when cars approach so that people are on both sides of the road, and so on. This can be dangerous and reflects many common misconceptions about traffic protocol. It’s true that there are fewer drivers on the road now, but many of them are taking advantage of that fact to go faster.

Here are a few basic rules of the road to remember:

• Pedestrians/walkers should walk FACING traffic, on the left side of the road.
• Bicyclists should ride WITH traffic on the right side of the road. 
• Bicycles are considered vehicles and are required to obey all the same traffic laws as cars.
• Bicyclists are allowed to ride two abreast but are encouraged to ride single file when being overtaken or when overtaking (there is no law requiring bikes to be ridden single file).
• Vehicles are required to maintain three feet of distance when passing bicyclists. Failure to do so not only endangers bicyclists but can result in the motorist receiving a fine under the motor vehicle code “Failure to grant right of way to a bicycle” (CS 14-242).  
• There does not appear to be a law requiring that vehicles maintain three feet of distance from pedestrians, but it is equally good practice. 

This information can also be found and verified at https://portal.ct.gov/DOT/Commissions/Share-the-Road-CT.