How should pedestrians and bicyclists be protected in a ROW construction area?

• A. With clearly marked detours, barriers, and safe alternate routes.
• B. Ignore them.
• C. Place them behind heavy machinery.
• D. Only use signage.

Answer: (A)

Protecting pedestrians and bicyclists in a ROW construction area means creating a safe, predictable path around the work zone. The best approach is to provide clearly marked detours, barriers to separate them from traffic and equipment, and safe alternate routes they can use. Detours move people away from hazards; barriers provide physical separation; alternative routes ensure they have a usable path that doesn’t force them into the active work area. Signage is important, but it’s not enough by itself; without barriers and proper detours, pedestrians and cyclists can still be exposed to danger. Ignoring them or placing them behind heavy machinery would create immediate risk and violate safety standards. This approach aligns with standard traffic control practice and helps meet safety requirements for work zones.