City offers streetcar safety tips

Don’t fear the new streetcars — but keep an eye out for them.

That’s the message from the City of Milwaukee, which has released tips for sharing the road with “The Hop” streetcars.

With streetcar testing underway on the streets of Milwaukee, city officials are urging people to be aware of their surroundings “and be sure to both look and listen for approaching streetcars.”

Must-do’s for motorists

When making a left turn along the streetcar route, be on the lookout for both streetcars and vehicles that may be approaching from the opposite direction.

When parking along the route, ensure your entire vehicle is inside the striping on the road. When opening doors, look out for streetcars, bikes and cars approaching from behind you.

Never park your vehicle on streetcar tracks. Not even for a little bit.

Pay attention to pavement markings along the route.

Stay alert, pedestrians

Only cross the streetcar tracks at designated crosswalks and always wait for the appropriate signals.

Never cross or run in front of a streetcar, and avoid entering the trackway from between two parked cars.

Take a break from electronic devices. Remove your headphones so you can hear streetcar warning bells and don’t walk and text when crossing streetcar routes.

Pedal wisely

Cyclists should cross streetcar tracks as upright and close to a 90-degree angle as possible, and avoid riding bikes between the tracks.