Tempe
It has been more than a decade since light rail changed the urban landscape in the Valley. Now a new modern streetcar will create even more connections in Tempe.
The streetcar requires motorists, bicyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians to maneuver differently in the roadway than they do with light rail. This page will provide important safety tips to help make everyone’s journey more enjoyable.
Don’t forget to download the safety guide for even more ways to be Streetcar Smart!
- The streetcar rails are designed to withstand automobile traffic and will not damage your vehicle
- Leave a safe space between your vehicle and the streetcar. When sharing a lane with a streetcar, always be alert and prepared to stop.
- Pay attention to signs, striping and signals, especially transit-only signs that indicate segments of rail where only streetcars can go.
- When making a left turn across streetcar tracks, do so in two stages:
- 1) First, cross in the right lane through the intersection.
- 2) Second, pivot to the left to cross tracks perpendicularly at the next traffic signal.
- Streetcar track grooves are slightly wider than a typical bike or scooter tire, meaning tires may become stuck in the trackway. Always avoid riding between the rails, where it can be difficult to maneuver in the tight space.
- When crossing the tracks, always do so in as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Ride in an upright position as opposed to leaning into the turn.
- Only cross streetcar tracks at designated crosswalks. Wait for the appropriate signals and step over the track.
- Never cross or run in front of an approaching streetcar. Wait until it leaves the stop so you can clearly see motorists and cyclists in the roadway. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you.
- Streetcars are quiet so LOOK and LISTEN before crossing.
- The streetcar rails are designed to withstand automobile traffic and will not damage your vehicle
- Leave a safe space between your vehicle and the streetcar. When sharing a lane with a streetcar, always be alert and prepared to stop.
- Pay attention to signs, striping and signals, especially transit-only signs that indicate segments of rail where only streetcars can go.
- When making a left turn across streetcar tracks, do so in two stages:
- 1) First, cross in the right lane through the intersection.
- 2) Second, pivot to the left to cross tracks perpendicularly at the next traffic signal.
- Streetcar track grooves are slightly wider than a typical bike or scooter tire, meaning tires may become stuck in the trackway. Always avoid riding between the rails, where it can be difficult to maneuver in the tight space.
- When crossing the tracks, always do so in as close to a 90-degree angle as possible. Ride in an upright position as opposed to leaning into the turn.
- Only cross streetcar tracks at designated crosswalks. Wait for the appropriate signals and step over the track.
- Never cross or run in front of an approaching streetcar. Wait until it leaves the stop so you can clearly see motorists and cyclists in the roadway. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you.
- Streetcars are quiet so LOOK and LISTEN before crossing.