589 – 163 – 14 – Hut! … Aargh!
OK, huddle up! It’s that time of year when it gets darker for longer, so let’s review the playbook. Motorists, meet me at the next paragraph; walkers and runners, second one down; cyclists, third one down. Break!
Motorists, slow down! The speed limit is a maximum, not a minimum. Our excellent night vision as a teenager is fading fast — we need twice as much light to see as well as 20 years ago, and in 20 more we’ll will need twice as much light again. Stop for pedestrians crossing at intersections, there’s a crosswalk there legally if not physically. And pay attention — huddle up at the last paragraph. What number are we?
Walkers and runners, wear reflective clothing! Or at least wear light colored clothing, and/or bring a flashlight when out at night. Walk against traffic, cross at intersections, and use the buttons to start the flashing lights at crosswalks. And pay attention — huddle up at the last paragraph. What number are we?
Cyclists, use your lights! Front and rear, the new ones are bright and affordable. Set them on blinking to extend battery life. Ride with traffic and follow the rules of the road. We have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers. And pay attention — huddle up at the last paragraph. What number are we?
Back together here! Before we head out, remember: team performance depends on each of us playing our part. We’re all number one, and nobody wants to be any of the numbers in the first sentence, which are 2012 New Jersey traffic fatalities — total, pedestrians and cyclists.
Jerry Foster
President, West Windsor Bicycle and Pedestrian Alliance
Follow our progress on www.wwbpa.org and like us on Facebook. West Windsor is New Jersey’s first bicycle-friendly community.
