30 Jul Trail Talk with Bill Prall: Caution Urged at Intersections

Trail intersections with roads and driveways present the biggest danger to bicyclists and motorists. Cyclists’ behavior at these intersections is critical.

There are many stop and yield signs in place at numerous trail intersections. Additionally, there are many painted traffic control markings on the trail.

The Top of Michigan Trails Council has been instrumental in developing these traffic control features. We have been doing all we can to prevent trail user injuries resulting from collisions with motorists.

We need trail users to understand the importance of following these traffic control directions.

I have personally watched many cyclists ride, at speed, right through an intersection, not checking for oncoming automobile traffic. Many motorists have no idea they are crossing a recreational trail.

Bicyclists should always approach intersections at a slow speed, scanning visually the intersecting road and driveways before passing through them.

In a collision with a motor vehicle, the bicyclist never wins and can sustain serious injuries, even death.