During pandemic, more people are out exercising. These rules help keep everyone safe

Notice more people walking, biking and jogging since the stay at home order was put in place? Even the trails are extremely busy as bikers and walkers are sharing the trails in our city limits.

The focus of having livable streets in Lee’s Summit has made our city’s trails and roads more accessible to all forms of transportation, including vehicles, walkers, runners and bicyclists. With the increase of use, it’s time to remember public safety rules as they apply to pedestrians and bicyclists.

Too often we think of our roads as means of transportation for motorized vehicles. But bicyclists, runners and walkers all use the roads. We need to remember to stay alert and safe for the public. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a great website that provides safety information for everyone using the road at www.nhtsa.gov.

We all need to use the rules and regulations set up for safe roads. Parents should have a conversation with their children to emphasize the importance of safety, whether they are driving, walking or riding their bikes. Below are tips and reminders of how to keep everyone safe as we are out enjoying the spring weather.

▪ Drivers are required to yield to bikes and pedestrians. Keep an eye out for walkers, bikers and runners.

▪ Traffic speed has a major impact on the safety of people walking and biking. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says the most effective method to make streets safer is to slow down the speed of your vehicle, quoting the likelihood of a pedestrian dying from a collision with a motor vehicle increases from 8% at 31 mph to 50% at 47 mph. Neighborhood streets’ traffic limits are designed to protect residents and need to be followed.

▪ Bicyclists and pedestrians should follow the traffic signs and signals. Bicyclists need to use hand signals so drivers know what they are doing. Signal all stops, turns and obstacles with your hands and use your voice when riding with others. Hand signals are found at www.nhtsa.gov. Hand signals help you communicate with highly distracted drivers and keep communication with those riding with you.

▪ Pedestrians and cyclists should cross streets at crosswalks or intersections, where drivers expect them. Be sure the driver is aware of you by making eye contact. Pedestrians, bikers and drivers should do everything they can to ensure they know what course of action each is taking at the intersection.

▪ Be visible at all times by wearing bright clothing and wear reflective materials at night. Use a light at night as well.

▪ Be aware of cars entering or exiting driveways, or backing up in parking lots.

▪ Everyone needs to keep alert at all times and not be distracted from others around them. Electronic devices are not good for use on roads or trails by drivers, pedestrians or bikers.

As we greet spring, this year especially as we are staying home to help stop the coronavirus, let’s keep each other safe also from vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian crashes, injuries and deaths.

This article was submitted by Jan Nelson, who is a member of the Livable Streets Advisory Board. The Livable Streets Advisory Board is a mayor-appointed, volunteer board whose goals include working to make our community and our streets more livable, safe and accessible for all of our citizens.