Transportation Management Association of Chester County

Walk. Ride. Drive. Safety Campaign

By: P. Timothy Phelps, TMACC

A few weeks ago, my daughter and I were out practicing for her driver’s test. During the trip she met her first sharethe-road moment; we had approached a cyclist. She had that moment of anxiety but managed it well. She respected the cyclist space; slowed down and waited until it was safe enough to pass the cyclist with four feet.

On Friday, July 15, Chester County Planning Commission on behalf of the Commissioners unveiled a “Walk. Ride. Drive. Safety Campaign.”

The Campaign’s vision statement can be stated in one word: RESPECT. “While recognizing the need to advance alternative modes of transportation and to improve the built environment, being cognizant of one’s commuting behavior and the unpredictability of others can help improve the safety of the public right of way for all users.” We must respect each other and recognize each other’s safety needs as we traverse our communities.

The County’s campaign messaging revolves around three scenarios. The first scenario will be the interaction between autos and pedestrians. The second scenario will be the interaction between autos and bicyclists. The third scenario will be the interaction between bicyclists and pedestrians. The idea of the campaign is to lead by example rather than lecture about the rules of the road. In other words, the message is, “Here’s what I do,” rather than, “Here’s what you should do.”

Help make our community roads and trails safer by prioritizing these messages when you out on the road. It is not survival of the fittest out there. It is survival of the safest. Let us all get there safely.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND:

• Whether you are on two wheels or four, use caution and be alert. •#1 rule of the road is safety. • Let’s all get there safely. • Pedestrians don’t come with airbags. You can’t fix a pedestrian in a body shop. • Bright colored clothing is the fashion for keeping safe on the road and trail. • Cyclists are just people on bikes. Drivers are just people in cars. • Ride nice. Drive nice. We all have a responsibility to keep each other safe. • Keep your head up and phones down. That goes for bikers too. • Bright colored clothing is the fashion for keeping safe on the road and trail. • The average speed a cyclist goes is about 25 to 28 mph. A walker goes about 3 to 4 mph. • Distracted walking and biking are just as real as distracted driving. Keep your head up and stay alert.