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Bicycle & Pedestrian Safety

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.

Two people ride bicycles on a shaded path. Another person walks a dog in the background.

Safety is a Group Activity

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 be aware of our surroundings and others, follow the rules, and offer a little give and take to ensure that everyone remains safe. Please follow the safety guidelines offered on this page 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.
  • During the summer season, bike riding is permitted on the boardwalk only 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.
  • Use your ears – as well as your eyes – to be alert to your surroundings. 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.

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.