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Rehoboth Beach is proud to be a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community. The city encourages residents and visitors to explore our one-square-mile community on foot and to pedal further abroad and enjoy the terrific biking trails in the area. With a large number of pedestrians and bicyclists (especially in season) - and not to mention the large number of vehicles in the area - it requires that we all follow the rules, be aware of our surroundings and others, and offer a little give and take to ensure that everyone remains safe. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure everyone's safety.
If you're on foot
- Stay on sidewalks whenever they're available.
- If there's no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
- Use pedestrian crossings - press the button and wait for the walk signal.
- Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you.
If you're pedaling
- Go with the flow. Bikers should travel in the same direction as traffic.
- Wear a helmet. They're required for bike riders under 18 and strongly encouraged for everyone. All too often, our police officers must deal with serious injuries that could have been mitigated by wearing a helmet.
- Bikers generally must follow the same traffic rules and regulations as vehicles. However, bikers need NOT come to a complete stop at stop signs, but, for your safety, slow down and ensure that the roadway is clear before proceeding. Bikers must stop at red lights.
- When stopped at a red light, be sure to stay visible and out of drivers' blind spots.
- Stay off the sidewalks. Only bikers younger than 12 can ride on sidewalks. Be aware, though, that no one is allowed to ride on sidewalks in the pedestrian-congested downtown area, on Rehoboth Avenue from the boardwalk to Sixth Street and on First Street from Virginia Avenue to Brooklyn.
- During the summer season, bike riding is permitted on the boardwalk only from 5-10 am.
- Share the road. In a group of riders, stay in a single file.
- Use hand and arm signals to indicate right or left turns.
- Always yield to pedestrians.
- Any passenger must be in an approved passenger seat.
- Lights and reflectors are required at night. At all times, bicycles must have a rear red reflector visible from 600 feet. From dusk to dawn, bicycles must have a white front light visible from 500 feet or reflective material visible from 600 feet on both sides and to the rear.
- Use your ears - as well as your eyes - to be alert to your surroundings. The use of earplugs or headsets while riding is prohibited.
If you're behind the wheel
- Slow down.
- Look out for pedestrians everywhere - not just at crosswalks.
- Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks - even if there is no signal or they are walking against the signal.
- Stop at the stop bar painted on the road and give enough space so that other drivers also can see the pedestrians.
- Never pass vehicles that are stopped or slowing down at a crosswalk. In turn, be cautious about waving pedestrians across as you can't be certain that vehicles in the other lane will stop.
- Make eye contact with bikers and pedestrians so that you each know the others' intention.
The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners' Association offers this brochure with a map and safety tips.
