Driving, Walking, and Cycling Safely at Lake Barcroft

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Lake Barcroft is typical of a semi-rural, recreational community. That’s why we like living here! So, we need to be more aware of how to get around safely.  Let’s make our community a safe place- no matter how you like to get around.  Here are some “rules of the road” for everyone.

For Everyone

  • Lake Barcroft does not have many sidewalks.
  • Lake Barcroft does not have many overhead streetlights
  • Lake Barcroft does not have many crosswalks or pedestrian infrastructure.
  • Lake Barcroft does not have bike lanes.
  • Lake Barcroft does have narrow roads.
  • Lake Barcroft does have hills, windy roads and blind curves.
  • Lake Barcroft does have lots of trees and shade limited number of overhead streetlights.
  • Lake Barcroft yards are often wooded and landscaped with shrubs and other vegetation that sometimes obscures clear sight lines to the road or around road corners.

For Drivers

  • Consider going slower than the posted 25 mph speed limit, especially near our beaches, passing walkers and cyclists, going up and down hills, and around curves.
  • Stop for walkers and cyclists at crosswalks, and if they are crossing in front of you.
  • When parked on the street, look to see if there are any cyclists or walkers next to your car before opening the door.
  • Use caution when passing stopped vehicles, walkers, and cyclists.
  • If possible, allow 3 feet when passing bicyclists and walkers.

Safe driving videos - great for new drivers and neighbors new to Lake Barcroft

For Walkers

  • Before crossing, look both ways- especially near the beaches.
  • Walk towards traffic so that you can see cars coming. If you walk with your back to traffic you cannot see cars and cannot avoid them.
  • Do not wear completely noise cancelling listening gear. You want to be aware of cars approaching or passing.
  • Do not text or browse while walking so you accidentally wander into the path of a car. Especially important on narrow roads in front of the beaches.
  • Wear light colored clothing and reflectors when it’s dark, cloudy, and in the twilight hours (dawn and dusk).
  • Wear headlamps that are angled down to the street. This will help drivers see you but it will not blind them.
  • Affix reflectors and/or lights to your dogs, and to strollers, when walking.

Safe walking video - how to walk Lake Barcroft safely-great tips for young and old who want to explore our quiet streets

For Cyclists

  • Obey all traffic signs and lights.
  • Never ride against traffic, ride with traffic.
  • Use hand signals to tell motorists what you intend to do.
  • Ride in a straight line to the right of traffic, about a car-door width away from parked cars.
  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Use lights at night and when visibility is poor.
  • Wear reflective or light colored clothing.
  • Do not wear noise cancelling listening gear.

Safe cycling videos- great resources for biking more safely in and outside of Lake Barcroft

Additional Resources for Drivers, Walkers and Cyclists