Safety for Pedestrians and Cyclists

From Tioga County Sheriff Roger Besser

As a safe efficient and relatively inexpensive from of exercise, walking and cycling is becoming increasingly popular for health conscious Americans. However, despite all of the benefits associated with walking and cycling, they come with several safety risks.

Nationwide, pedestrians aud cyclists represent 15% of all traffic fatalities, and in large cities, they account for more than half of all traffic fatalities. Are you in danger? According to Sheriff Besser of Tioga County, there are a number of safety precautions participants should be aware of to better ensure their safety.

Statistics provided by the National Safety Council indicate that runners, cyclists and pedestrians account for a staggering 90,000 injuries in the United States every year. Of these, an alarming 7,000 people die. The leading cause: death by oncoming motor vehicles

Sheriff Besser points to a specific problem which continues to influence such tragic outcomes. "One of the primary beliefs that needs to be overcome is the assumption that it is the driver's responsibility to keep them safe." Sheriff Besser adds, "Safety is not automatic because one walks or bikes in a safe neighborhood." To ensure safety, there are a series of events and decisions that individuals must control.

In an effort to promote the benefits of physical activity and give people the confidence they need to feel safe, there are, according to Sheriff Besser, a number of things pedestrians and cyclists can do to protect themselves, particularly if they are exercising at night when visibility is greatly diminished.

If you are a pedestrian, stay on the sidewalk and always use the crosswalk. Avoid areas where sidewalks and crosswalks are not present.

Don't be stubborn. Even if you have the right-of-way, let the car go first. They may not see you and it's better to give up your turn, than your life.

Always walk facing traffic. Always ride with traffic.

Obey traffic signals.Stop at the curb before crossing the street. Look left, right, and left again before crossing.

When cycling, always stay out of a driver's blind spot.

Prior to crossing the street, make eye contact with the driver. This signals them that you are going to cross the street.

Wear bright colors. If exercising at night, wear reflective bands.

Do not wear headphones. This could cause you to miss a potentially dangerous situation.

If walking, carry a flashlight. If cycling, have a headlight installed on your bike.

If it can be avoided, do not walk or bike alone when it is dark. The majority of accidents occur after nightfall.

Please remember these important rules when walking, jogging, or cycling.