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We all have a role to play to avoid accidents

By Staff | Jul 10, 2009

Summer is here, and with the warm temperatures comes more activity outside.

People are taking evening walks, out for a morning jog, riding bicycles and rollerblading.

Unfortunately, these activities come with risks. They bring motorists, pedestrians and bikers together on the road.

And already there have been reports of a few close calls. The Rugby Police Department wants to remind everyone to use extra caution on the streets, especially this year with the road construction taking place throughout the town.

Parents are urged to talk to their children about bike safety and tell them not to venture into areas where construction crews are working.

Here are a few important safety tips for bikers to follow :

-Stop at intersections .

-Walk bicycles across streets, don’t ride them.

-Never ride in the middle of the street, but rather near the curb and with the flow of traffic on that side of the street.

-Avoid riding in the downtown area or other busy streets.

-Wear a helmet, and at night wear bright or reflective clothing.

Motorists must also show extra caution when driving in town. There are a lot of children outside playing, and it’s important to keep an eye out for them.

-Drive the posted speed limit.

-Slow down when approaching pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children.

And walkers, runners and rollerbladers also have to practice safety.

-Use sidewalks or pathways whenever possible.

-Never walk or rollerblade in the middle of the road, but rather near the curb.

-Avoid walking or running at night. And if you do, wear bright or reflective clothing to easily be spotted by oncoming traffic.

We all look forward to getting outside for these few precious months of the year. However, the risks go up when motorists share the roadways with pedestrians and bikers. The road is big enough if everyone uses caution.