It’s summer in Wisconsin — and we all want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Before you head outside, take a few minutes to review pedestrian and bicycle safety with your family. Be certain your children know the importance of not texting/talking while walking, riding a bike or driving. Distracted driving is quickly becoming a major factor in pedestrian, bicyclist and motor vehicle deaths and injuries.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) released a report on pedestrian safety. Highlights concerning pedestrian safety include:
- Many pedestrians who were injured or killed were those who were struck on the side of the road after their vehicle broke down.
- The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased 15 percent since 2009.
- One in five pedestrian deaths were the result of hit and run events (2013).
- Nearly one in five pedestrians were killed on roadways with a speed limit that was less than 35 mph.
- Distracted (texting or talking on a cell phone) walkers are on the rise. In 2010, nearly 2 million pedestrian injuries involved people who were using their cell phones. This is especially problematic for texting teens or those listening to headphones while walking.
The GHSA has also researched bicycle safety. According to a 2014 GHSA report:
- The number of bicyclists killed by motor vehicles has increased 16 percent since 2010.
- The majority of bicyclist fatalities involve adults over the age of 20 (84 percent in 2012) and happen in urban areas (69 percent in 2012).
- More than two-thirds of bicyclists who were fatally injured were not wearing bicycle helmets.
Safe behavior:
- When riding a bike, wear a helmet. Always.
- Bicyclists must obey the same traffic laws as motorized vehicles.
- Bicycles must move in the same direction as motor vehicles.
- Use bike lanes whenever possible.
- Wear reflective and/or bright clothing when walking, running or biking.
- Make sure your bike has lights and reflectors that increase visibility.
- Use crosswalks and sidewalks and obey crossing signals.
- When walking on a road without sidewalks it is recommended that you walk facing oncoming traffic.
- If you are walking on a highway (without a sidewalk), you must walk on the left side of the road.
- While drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and bicyclists — don’t assume they will do so. Stay alert.
The Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) recommends that everyone wear a bicycle helmet when riding a bicycle — even if your state or community does not mandate it.
If you or your family are interested in more information concerning bicycling events in Central Wisconsin, visit the Central Wisconsin Offroad Coalition of Cyclists or the Wisconsin Bike Federation. We proudly sponsor both organizations and appreciate their efforts to increase bike safety awareness while encouraging Wisconsinites to enjoy the great outdoors. Be safe!
