Running, Walking and Biking on the Street: How to Stay Safe While Getting Fit

Now more than ever, people are taking to the streets to run, walk and bike. Of course they are! My family has never been more active outside in our lives...in fact we all bought new bikes in the last month. It's one of the only things we can do right now with the stay-at-home order in place, and we are so thankful for that ability!

 In fact, I feel like the ability to get outside and move our bodies right now as a community is a life-saver...in more ways than one. A life-saver, UNLESS, we don't follow some simple safety precautions, and then it becomes risky. So ride, walk and run your heart's content with these things in mind.  

When you’re biking:

1. Ride with traffic, not against it. This makes you more visible to motorists on the street and especially in intersections.
2. Follow traffic laws. Just because you’re not in a car, doesn’t mean that you don’t need to follow traffic signals such as stop lights, signs, etc. Not doing so can put you at risk for an accident.
3. Wear a helmet. A helmet is a MUST when bicycling. And not just for children…for adults as well. In 2018, 857 people died in bicycle crashes in in the U.S., about 2/3 of those deaths are cause by head injury. Wearing a helmet reduces your risk of head injury by 85%. With those statistics, there is no reason not to take 10 seconds to strap on a helmet to your head or to your kids’ heads.

When you're walking/jogging/running

1. If you can’t walk on a sidewalk, you should always face traffic when exercising on foot in a street. Though it might seem counter-intuitive, you do this for several reasons. First, you can see motorists on your side of the street to avoid being hit by a absent minded driver. It’s also a good idea because motorists expect you to be on that side so you are more predictable.
2. If it is dark, either in the morning or in the evening, you should wear light colored clothing or even reflective clothing so that you are more easily spotted by traffic. Remember, only ninjas need to dress in all black at night!
3. Pay attention. You should also be following traffic signals such as stop lights and always, just like when you were a kid, look both ways before crossing the street.

For everyone: 

1. Check the weather before you leave the house and dress appropriately. Layers are always a good idea when the weather is chilly so that you can take clothes off when you start to warm up.
2. Carry a cell phone and I.D. on you in case of injury or an emergency.
3. Be alert, not only of traffic but also of other people so as not to collide with others and also to protect yourself from assault.
4. If you are driving, pay extra attention to your surroundings and give the pedestrian and cyclist the courtesy that you would want extended to you!