Safety Tips for Cyclists, Joggers, Runners and Walkers

Walking, running or cycling are healthy activities that help manage our weight and ward off chronic diseases. These activities outdoors while enjoyable, do come with some risk that can be mitigated by following some prudent and easy to implement safety measures.

I will not go into the details of how many pedestrian traffic accidents occur; generally male pedestrians, pre-teen, teen, young adult and elderly pedestrians the most vulnerable. Lastly, alcohol consumption by pedestrians is involved in about 1/3 of all fatalities. In my many years of walking, running and cycling outside, I have learned a few things that I’d like to pass along.

If you are a walker, runner or jogger here are some simple safety tips to follow: First, use the sidewalk, if you must use the street, then travel facing traffic; Cross the street at a designated crosswalk; Be careful at driveways and intersections, sometimes driver are not looking in your direction when trying to merge into traffic or make a turn; Don’t be invisible do not wear dark clothing, bright or reflective colors help get you noticed; Lastly, carry a flashlight and wearing reflective clothing at night.

This website has more detailed safety tips for runners and walkers:
http://www.rrca.org/education-advocacy/rrca-general-running-safety-tips/

Cycling presents special challenges, because if you cycle in the street, one must follow traffic and obey posted traffic regulations. Additionally, storm drains, potholes, parked cars and other curb-side hazards pose significant obstacles for the cyclist.
As a cyclist, probably because of the thin profile, for all practical purposes you are invisible to the driver. The advice here is similar to the one for walkers and runners. Assume you are invisible and take steps to be seen, such as wearing bright reflective clothing and install lights on the bike. Do everything possible to avoid getting hit. A helmet will help if you get hit, but it is best to avoid getting hit. This link will take you to a cycling website with excellent tips for a safe ride: http://bicyclesafe.com/

General Safety Tips for Children
As pedestrians, children are at even greater risk of injury or death from traffic crashes due to their small size, inability to judge distances and speeds, and lack of experience with traffic rules.

The following website link contains good tips on keeping kids safe as pedestrians:
http://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/Pedestrian_Safety/factsheet.html
Not walking or running? Then go to the “Tips from the Trainer” section in the blog for a simple plan on how to get started. Have fun and be safe!