State and Federal Highways

• Pedestrians are restricted from walking on federal or state highways. This restriction extends to bicycles, other motorized vehicles that are not automobiles or motorcycles and horses. The vehicular speed allowed by law on these highways is 55 or above, and the traffic is often heavy. It is therefore unreasonable to request that motorists watch the side of the road as well as operate their vehicle under these conditions.
  
  

Sidewalks and Crosswalks

• Pedestrians are expected to use paved sidewalks when such paved walkways are available. If a sidewalk is available, a pedestrian is not allowed to walk in areas that are not the sidewalk. Pedestrians are also expected to use crosswalks. If a crosswalk is provided at the end of a block, then pedestrians should not cross the street in the middle of the block. They must proceed to the end of the block and use the crosswalk.
  
  

Roadways with No Paved Walking Path

• A roadway with no walking path, such as a sidewalk, is still traveled by pedestrians, as long as the road is not a highway. The pedestrian will walk in a manner facing oncoming vehicles so a pedestrian possesses the ability to make eye contact with a driver. State laws concerning specific pedestrians walking on nonpaved roadways vary. Check your local state laws before using nonpaved roadways for foot travel.
  
  

Pedestrian and Vehicle Relations

• Pedestrians are wise to always yield to vehicles. Some states require vehicles to yield to pedestrians while others expect pedestrians and vehicles to follow specific rules for different road types. While it is not illegal to walk on the shoulder of a roadway, it is wise to check local state laws before leaving on foot to be clear in the area of pedestrian and vehicle relations.