Share the Road

WRITER Jessica O. Wall, MPH

Director, Yadkin County Human Services Agency Medical Clinic and Wic jwall@yadkincountync.gov 336.849.7588

The roads in our counties are used for more than just driving motor vehicles. As we all know, many of our roads are used by people for recreation such as biking and running. The roads in our area of the state, and even the county for that matter, are beautiful, with long straightaways and sweeping curves, not to mention the views! This means drivers, bikers and runners all have the right to use the same roads and share the same space. According to their website, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is responsible for keeping people safe on America’s roadways. This includes people using all types of transportation such as cars, buses, vans and motorcycles. But they also address the safety of bicyclists and pedestrians. On their Pedestrian Safety page, NHTSA mentions “In 2020, 6,516 pedestrians were killed and an estimated 55,000 pedestrians were injured nationwide.” This is a 3.9-percent increase from the 6,272 pedestrian fatalities in 2019. And in regards to cyclists, their website states “938 bicyclist killed in traffic crashes in 2020”

How can we work as a community to keep these at-risk groups safe as they are using the roads along with motor vehicles? What are some things all parties can do to make the roads a safer place to drive, bike, and run? The U. S. Department of Transportation launched the “Safer People, Safer Streets Initiative” in 2015. This initiative’s goal was to encourage local communities to assess biking and pedestrian safety in their area in an effort to lower accidents and fatalities. Through the initiative, fourteen US cities were recognized for their efforts to better policy, engaged stakeholders, and educate the community. And NHTSA has tips for drivers when sharing the road. They give specific things to remember when encountering a pedestrian: • Be aware that you can encounter a pedestrian any place or any time, keep your eyes out for them! • Stop for pedestrians in a crosswalk, even if it’s not marked. • Be mindful of slowed or stopped cars; they could be stopping or slowing down for a pedestrian so be careful when passing. • If you see a pedestrian, do not assume they will act predictably; be alert! • Drive in front of other people’s homes how you would like people to drive in front of yours. They also point out that motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians have the same right to the road as cars and trucks, but are much more vulnerable because they are not protected by a vehicle.

There is also guidance for runners who run on roadways. Runner’s World has the following suggestions and recommendations when running on the road. • Do not assume the driver sees you. They actually recommend you act as if they don’t. • Runners should follow all signs and traffic lights as vehicular traffic does. • Run against traffic, giving at least three feet between you and the passing vehicle, and wear bright colored clothing and something with reflection.

• Road runners should be ready to jump onto the shoulder or sidewalk to avoid a vehicle and should use hand signals to indicate turns and movement. • They should run with identifying information and a phone. • Overall, the runner must stay alert. This includes running with only one ear bud in, keeping their head up, and looking out for driveways, distracted drivers, high traffic areas, and other potential dangerous situations.

The website Bicycling.com has similar suggestions for bikers riding in a rural area. These also include making the assumption the driver cannot see you. This helps put the cyclist on the defense and ready to react. Riders should look behind them frequently. This helps them see any driver coming around them, which may then turn right, in front of the biker, causing an accident. Check oncoming traffic also. Someone could be passing ahead and not checking what’s in the opposite lane. Avoid riding into the sunset. This makes it harder for motorist to see you. If a pause is needed, it’s recommend that they are in high visibility areas. It’s best for bikers and motorist if cyclist ride single file. Cyclist should also use hand signals to indicate turns. Cyclist should be wearing helmets and any distracted driving, by either the cyclist or the driver, is unacceptable.

Vehicles should pass cyclist slowly, giving a wide berth. Many states have a 3 feet rule for passing cyclist. This is a good suggestion for passing runners as well. Other tips include eye contact between the driver and the runner or cyclist and to maintain the “two second” rule for distancing yourself.

Everyone has a right to the road. Cycling and running are great workouts and stress relieving activities. We want to encourage our neighbors in their efforts to train, push themselves and to be physically active. Let’s all work to make sure they make it through their workout safely. All parties are responsible, so make sure you are being safe whether you are the driver or the athlete.

What IS That?

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