The Green Hornet

TRAFFIC SAFETY CORNER FOR MARCH 2010

Spring has sprung upon us....

With the weather getting better it's time to get active. Here are a few tips for two of our favorite non-motorized activities.

WALKING

Visibility is the name of the game. When out on foot, wear color contrasting, bright, or reflective clothing to stand out from the background of the area you are in. Some clothing and footwear intended for outdoor activities with built-in reflective areas.

In the early morning or late evening light, and especially in the dark, every person walking in you party, should wear or carry something that illuminates. Flashlights, flashing LED beacon (THINK "rear bike light"), or self illuminating non-toxic chemical lights whether in stick, necklace, or bracelet form (kids love 'em) are perfect. The award for creativity on this topic is an urban hiker I recently saw who had rigged up battery operated flashing holiday lights to his day pack.

Stay on the sidewalk where possible. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road opposite (facing into) oncoming traffic, as close to the curb as possible. When encountering a cross street, it's always a good practice (especially if you have children with you) to come to a complete stop, look both directions, and then cross. Holding to this practice helps to avoid a lapse of attention if you are jogging, speed walking, or otherwise focused on your movements.

Be aware of and alert to your surroundings. Not just for environmental hazards (trip hazards, trees, cars, etc.), but also for hazards of the four and two legged variety. At the very least, carry a cell phone with you.

While we are on the topic of hazards, take extra care with your MP3 player's headphones or ear buds in. While they can distract from the doldrums of routine activities, they also can cut into a substantial portion of your situational awareness and hearing. If you regularly use your MP3 while out walking, you may want to consider purchasing weather resistant "exercise" ear bud or headphones that have limited upper volume limits, but also allow you to hear ambient noises.

If you feel compelled to talk on your cell phone or Bluetooth while walking, keep in mind a recent study that noted an uptick in the number of "walking while talking" injury incidents comparable with DUICP (Driving Under the Influence of a Cell Phone) traffic crashes. While not as dramatic as a traffic crash, these incidents ranged from running into fixed objects, sprained ankles from stepping off unseen curbs, stepping out into traffic, and the like.

BIKES

Here's some info regarding human powered bicycles....

Type,Size, and Required Equipment
Before we get to the bike let's talk helmets. Get a well constructed helmet certified for safety by a reputable source. Not only is it required equipment for riders under 16 years of age, it's a good practice to get into and will save your brain in a crash.

Remember, if you crash on a bike it's literally like crashing into a brick wall at the speed you were going. While 15 mph (slow bike speed) doesn't seem that fast, you'll be hitting that wall at almost 22 feet per second. Now while your brain can withstand sloshing around at that speed, it cannot survive the sudden stop that a well fitted and constructed bicycling helmet is designed to prevent. The skin you lose due to road rash will grow back, your brain won't.

Now to the bike....

The type of bike is largely dependent on your preferences and what you plan to do with it. The more common types by function are generally utility, mountain, touring, and cruiser. Most reputable bicycle shops will try to "fit" you to a bike type that suits your needs and allow you to "test ride" the different models to see what suits you best.

Regardless of what type you choose, controllability is the key. When trying out a new bike for size, you should be able to stand with both feet flat on the ground and without the center bar touching you. Likewise, when fully seated on the bike and with your hands on the handlebars, your knees should not rise substantially above the flat plane of the center bar. Your knees or legs should not bump into your arms or hands while you are peddling.

While not all bicycles are equipped with these items, here is a short list of vital attached equipment to consider:

Brakes (friction, disc, anti-lock, coaster, etc)

If equipped with gears, easy to use / access gear shifts

Reflectors (front, rear, wheel, and pedal)

Add On Equipment
From "no spill" latte holders to mileage computers, you name it, you can probably find it for you bike. Some highly suggested items if you intend to go more than just a few blocks from home:

Front bicycle light that doubles as a reflector (LED or incandescent)

Rear bicycle light that doubles as a reflector (LED or incandescent)

Small, detachable "bike accessory" or "seat" bag to carry

Bicycle multi tool

Extra tire tube / flat repair kit

Other stuff that may fall out of your pockets like cell phones, keys, etc.

Small bicycle pump or quick air accessory

IF YOU INTEND ON STOPPING SOMEWHERE (like for a good latte), A GOOD QUALITY BIKE LOCK OR BIKE CHAIN/LOCK COMBINATION TO MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS STILL THERE WHEN YOU GET BACK

While there are many accessories that enhance ride-ability like fenders/mudguards, cargo racks, and after market seats, hold off on buying these items until you are familiar with your bicycle's handling characteristics and confident in your abilities.

On a final note about add ons, it is tempting to add things like navigational aids, bike computers, and that ever handy Latte holder, but remember that just like a car, things you add to your bicycle that are within your reach will affect your ability to focus your full attention on the task at hand-- SAFE RIDING!

TIME TO RIDE!

As discussed in the WALKING section, visibility is the name of the game. Wear color contrasting, bright, or reflective clothing to stand out from the background of the area you are in and use lights even in the daytime.

As a responsible bicycle rider, remember that almost all of the rules of the road also apply to you. Like a motorized vehicle, you have to stop at stop signs, signal your turns, yield where you are supposed to, not operate under the influence of intoxicants, and so forth and so on. In turn, motorized vehicle operators are supposed to treat you no differently than any another motorized vehicle.

In general, ride in the direction of (e.g. with) traffic and to the outermost right portion of the roadway, stay in your designated bike lane if one is present, and DO NOT dart in and out or traffic and the sidewalk to get around congested areas.

Safety takes precedence over pride. In some traffic conditions it is safer to get off your bike and walk it, obeying pedestrian controls rather than attempting to ride the street. Contrary to what some advocacy groups demand, DO NOT challenge a motorized vehicle when they intrude on what would be your right of way. While standing your ground is a noble cause, YOU WILL LOSE ANY ENCOUNTER WITH A LARGER AND MUCH HEAVIER MOTORIZED VEHICLE.

Remember that riding defensively is the way to stay alive and safe. Keep "your head on swivel" and be extra aware of your surroundings for all hazards. Vehicle operators may not see you, pedestrians may not hear you coming.Keep an eye out for animals and pets. Riding extra cautiously and courteously pays big dividends by avoiding the Emergency Room.

For more information on bicycling safety, this link from the Oregon Department of Transportation has some excellent information.