Local Voice: Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety
With all the talk about cyclist's safety, I think there should be some mention of what walkers and runners should do to keep themselves safe. Walkers and runners are to go opposite oncoming traffic.
This allows the pedestrian to get out of the way if a driver doesn't show obvious signs of giving them room. Walking against traffic also allows a driver to see you sooner as you are approaching the driver instead of going away from them. This, and a reflective vest or flashing light, will help keep you safer.
Cyclists ride with traffic, and follow the rules as if driving a car (stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, signaling turns). This predictable behavior makes it easier for drivers to anticipate what the cyclist intends.
More information is on the National Transportation Safety Board web site. Remember, and teach your kids, "Ride with, walk against."
Bari George
1:56 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Well said and so timely - Thank you, Mary Ann!
Mary Ann Jencks
2:17 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Thanks for acknowledging. Spread the word!
Dani
2:26 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Correct. I like opportunity to jump to safety!
Tom
9:10 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
And when you are driving put away the cell phone.
Robert E
9:44 pm on Friday, January 25, 2013
Here's a novel idea don't walk in the road.
jim
10:06 am on Saturday, January 26, 2013
that is a very good idear. so where are all the clear/safe sidewalks?
Karen D. Johnson
7:33 am on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Would someone also like to quote the law regarding walkers and crosswalks. I believe that if the crosswalk is at a light, you follow the rules of the light and if the crosswalk is not at a light, obviously, proceed with caution to insure both your safety and that of the oncoming driver. The only thing that seems to be on some minds of pedestrians crossing the street is the fact that "person(s) in the crosswalk have the right of way". To a common sense degree, this is accurate but not when the person approaches the crosswalk, enters it and proceeds against the light, especially when traffic is approaching. It puts everyone in danger. Nobody wants to get hit and nobody wants to hit you!!!
Kyle Braga
2:58 pm on Saturday, January 26, 2013
Unfortunately, many cross walk buttons on this island are "dummies" ive tested this at night with no traffic and hit the buttons,only to find out they dont do anything. People get impatient and figure this out so they just try to bolt across,,,very dangerous
Meredith Myers LeBlanc
4:42 pm on Monday, January 28, 2013
I love that more people are biking, but I really wish more bikers would observe the stop signs. I've seen so many, just fly through stop signs, especially on Bliss and Kay. A lot of these riders have been wearing gear that would imply they're hard-core bike enthusiasts, who should set an example.