Mode 2: Micro Movers delves into active and low speed transportation modes.
These modes are used not only for transportation, but also for public health. Common challenges for these modes include but are not limited to:
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2024, 1,103 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes and an estimated 52,887 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes.
Micro Mover users are harder to see because of their smaller size and more vulnerable than others as they lack the protection of a vehicle’s structure and safety features like airbags and seat belts. Remember that if hit, the higher the vehicle speed, the higher the likelihood a micro mover is to be seriously injured or killed (Vision Zero Network).
Keeping Micro Movers safe is a shared responsibility.
As modes of travel, Micro Movers are required to follow the rules of the road (e.g., obeying street signs, signals, and road markings) just like other modes. They also need to be visible, stay alert, and not be distracted. Drivers should be looking for micro movers (especially when turning right on red), yield to micro movers as you would to other vehicles, never drive distracted, and maintain a safe distance from micro movers (NHTSA).
Over #RRSAW2026, we will explore ways to implement road safety strategies for all rural modes, particularly those that can reduce fatalities and serious injuries and get everyone home safely.
Keeping everyone safe on the road means promoting safe behaviors, creating a safe environment for multiple modes, and having mutual respect for all road users. “Remember, no one — no driver, cyclist, or pedestrian — has sole rights to the road. It’s a shared space where we all have rights and responsibilities (NHTSA).”
Just like seat belts help save lives in a motor vehicle crash, helmets save lives, too. When biking, e-biking, and e-scooting, always wear a correctly fitting helmet (Adapted from NHTSA).
To increase your safety on or near the roadways, it is important to make yourself visible to other roadway users. You can do this by wearing bright and reflective clothing, carrying a light or placing reflectors and lights on your Micro Mover and remembering to make eye contact with other road users before crossing the road.
