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Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

Rehoboth Beach is proud to be a pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly community.

Safety is a Group Activity

With a large number of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists in the area, it requires that we all be aware of our surroundings and others and follow the rules to ensure that everyone remains safe. Please follow the safety guidelines outlined below to ensure everyone’s safety.

Safety Guidelines

On foot

  • Stay on sidewalks whenever they’re available.
  • If there’s no sidewalk, walk on the shoulder of the road facing traffic.
  • Use marked pedestrian crossings – if pedestrian signals are available, press the button and wait for the walk signal.
  • Make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they see you.

If you’re pedaling

  • Stay off the sidewalks. Only bikers younger than 12 are permitted to 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 6th Street and on 1st Street from Virginia Avenue to Brooklyn). Dismount and walk your bicycle.
  • From May 15-September 15, bike riding is only permitted on the boardwalk from 5-10 am.
  • 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.
  • 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. If you need lights for your bicycle, our Police Department can install them. Bring your bike to the Police Department and they will install the front and back lights.
  • The use of earplugs or headsets while riding is prohibited.
  • The Rehoboth Beach Homeowners’ Association offers this brochure with a map and additional safety tips.

Driving

  • 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.