Walking safely

The Highway Code applies to pedestrians as well as cyclists and motorists.

• Use pavements if provided (including any path along the side of the road)
• If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so you can see the coming traffic
• Wear light coloured clothing to help other road users see you
• When walking with young children, keep between them and the traffic and hold their hands firmly
• When walking in a large group, use a pavement if available. If there isn’t a pavement, keep to the left and have look-outs at the front and back of the group
• Do not walk on motorways or slip roads, except in an emergency

When walking in the countryside you should keep to The Countryside Code.

Crossing the road

• Use a safe crossing where possible
• Follow the Green Cross Code
• At a junction, look out for traffic turning into the road, especially from behind you
• Barriers – cross the road only at the gaps provided for pedestrians
• Tactile paving – raised surfaces felt underfoot give warning and guidance to blind and partially sighted people
• Bus and cycle lanes – take care in these lanes as traffic may be moving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic.