Oct
1
Written by:
Tom Kalka
10/1/2006
How to be safe on the trails and sidewalks
While the temperatures decrease and it gets darker earlier, it becomes more of a challenge to stay safe while conducting classes outside. In order to increase the safety of our clients, we would like to remind you of a few “rules of the road:”
1. Personal Responsibility – It is your responsibility to watch where you are going and be aware of what is around you. Your instructors are good but in limited light, they can’t tell you about every hazard.
2. Always stay to the right – While walking, running or biking, just like driving, stay to the right. If you want to pass, alert the person(s) you are about to pass by calling out loud “On the left!” BEFORE you pass. When being passed, allow them to pass freely by staying to the right. Do not overreact and do not turn around to look; just stay to the right. When you turn around to look, you tend to drift to the left and end up walking into the path of the oncoming biker. Do your best to be predictable and remember bikers are not capable of making quick moves and they look for you to make predictable moves and stay to the right.
3. Pay attention to your surroundings – Everyone is entitled to use the trails and sidewalks. Even if you are running with a group, you still need to pay attention to your surroundings. Often, bikes travel in groups, so always expect more than one. Also, be considerate and alert others of any hazards. In very dark conditions, it is helpful when you communicate with each other about curbs, holes, street signs, etc.
4. Cross at a cross walk – It is very tempting to cross a street wherever and whenever you want, but crossing at a cross walk is safer and much more predictable. Vehicles should give you the right of way at a cross walk, but don’t expect them to. Expect morning drivers to be sleepy and inattentive and you’ll be much safer! If you are with a group attempting to cross a street, it is much safer to stay with the group than it is to try and cross on your own. Remember, there is safety in numbers!
5. Wear reflective gear – You can buy cheap reflective arms bands or legs bands for about $4. This gives you visibility for up to half a mile and can alert vehicles to your presence long before they are close enough to hurt you. Try to wear one on your arm and one on your opposite leg. If you are running on a sidewalk with traffic, one side of you will always be visible to traffic.
6. Listen to your instructors – Your instructors know what they are doing and are there to take care of you. Listen to them. Go where they tell you to go and do not take short cuts. They know the trails and the workout, and they know the best way for you to reach your fitness goals. By doing your own thing (i.e. going your own way, making your own decision about how you want to get back or going a different way than he/she told you), you are causing your instructor unnecessary stress, putting yourself at risk and could be hurting the rest of the class.
7. Pedestrians have the right of way, but cars are bigger and will win the battle every time – You may legally have the right of way, but the people behind the wheel may not remember that. Put yourself in their shoes: they are trying to get to work or get home from work and are probably not expecting you or your group to come running out in front of them. Give them space to see you and only cross when you are sure it is safe!