As we approach summer it’s time to start thinking about pedestrian and bicycle safety. As the weather gets warmer there will be more pedestrians and bicyclists out using Meridian Township’s bike paths, sidewalks and the roadway.  We believe that everyone is a stakeholder in safety.  If we all pay attention to what is going on around us while we are driving, walking or biking we can have a significant impact on reducing the number of accidents involving pedestrians and bicyclists. 

Here are some tips from Share the Roads Safely that can help keep everyone safe:

Bicycle Safety Tips:

1. Make sure that your bike and your child's bike are the right size. You should be able to straddle a bike with both of your feet on the ground.
2. Avoid riding at night, whenever possible. Make sure your bike has a head light and reflectors if you do ride during the hours of darkness.
3. Never ride out into a street without stopping first.
4. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians.
5. Ride on bike paths wherever possible.
6. Wear a helmet when riding.
7. If you are going to be riding on the roadway install a horn on your bike.
8. Wear bright colored clothing so that motorists can see you.

Pedestrian Safety Tips:

1. Walk on sidewalks and in crosswalks whenever possible.
2. Pay attention to walk signals and keep a safe distance when standing on street corners.
3. Be careful of the blind spots around cars, trucks, and buses when walking near or around them.
4. Use caution when crossing intersections and streets. You may think vehicles will stop for you, but they may not see you or even be able to stop.
5. Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially when walking at night.

If you would like more information regarding bicycle and pedestrian safety go to http://www.sharetheroadsafely.org/