Sheriff's Corner: Safety for walkers, bikers

I hope I am not speaking too soon when I say that appears spring is here. Although we might still experience a stray snowfall, its existence will be fleeting, and we can begin to focus on finally doing all of those projects and activities we aspired to these many months.

Some of these activities might involve either long walks or even longer bike rides. While we are fortunate to have many miles of beautiful trails throughout the county, some of our routes might take us along public roadways. The mixing of vehicular traffic with either bicyclists or pedestrians brings with it many risks and considerations.

Since I have taken up running on an almost daily basis, I have had the opportunity to see firsthand some of the potential risks as a pedestrian and to make sure that I am not posing a risk as well by my presence.

If you are the bicyclist or pedestrian, please make sure you are seen. This might mean either wearing bright colors, or having reflective equipment on you and/or your bike. When traveling by foot, always walk or run against traffic. This will give you better visibility of the traffic which will come closest to you and provide the ability to react if you notice that a safe distance is not being kept.

When biking, travel with traffic, as you have the same right of ways and responsibilities as a motor vehicle. Please remember that just because you are on a bike doesn’t mean you can ignore the basic rules of the road. Stopping at stop signs, yielding to traffic, and yes even using arm signals are still your obligation when using the roads.

If you are operating a motor vehicle, please give due regard for both pedestrians as well as bicyclists. When approaching give them plenty of room by moving over, or remaining behind them until it is clear to pass. Be aware of the wind shear your vehicle will create as it passes both people and bikes along the road.

Let’s all work together to make this a safe and enjoyable spring.

Matt Joski is sheriff of Kewaunee County.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press Gazette: Sheriff's Corner: Safety for walkers, bikers