On Aug. 6, 2014, I held the last Bicycle Safety and Law Forum before the official opening of the Niles Township bike which runs from Brandywine Creek on Third Street to the state line. There was a very good turnout but also some complaints about cyclists and parking on the trail.

Per Park Commissioner Harry Thibault, there are plans for ordinances for parking and driving motor vehicles on the trail. Two concerns arose from the audience concerning riders without lights or sounds when passing walkers.

Per MVC 257.662(1) A bicycle or an electric personal assistive mobility device being operated on a roadway between 1/2 hour after sunset and 1/2 hour before sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front which shall emit a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and with a red reflector on the rear which shall be visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear when directly in front of lawful lower beams of head lamps on a motor vehicle. A lamp emitting a red light visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear may be used in addition to the red reflector.

Per MVC 257.660c(1) An individual operating a bicycle upon a sidewalk or a pedestrian crosswalk shall yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. This audible signal can be a bell, horn or even voice such as “Cyclist on the left” as you are passing a pedestrian.

This weeks Do 1 Thing tip continues with getting involved. Get Involved: Connect with an isolated individual in your neighborhood or start a neighborhood organization. Isolated individuals are more vulnerable during and after a disaster. They are less likely to ask for help or follow emergency instructions.

The elderly or those with disabilities may have trouble getting out of the house, and may not have much contact with the outside world. Someone who doesn’t speak English well may have trouble understanding emergency instructions. People may also be isolated just because they are new to the area, or because their work hours keep them from meeting their neighbors.

Who are the isolated individuals in your neighborhood? Take time to meet them. Help them make a plan for emergencies, and include checking on them in your plan.

Neighborhood watches and other groups can be a great way for you to become better connected to your neighbors. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a group, consider starting one. There are resources available online at www.usaonwatch.org or by calling your local police, sheriff’s department, or state police. As your Community Service Trooper, I have information on how to start and maintain a neighborhood watch smoothly and effectively.

Thank you for the support of this column over the past three years. I feel I have reached many with it and have given some valuable information to all.

 

If you have any questions or comments please email me at TrooperRob53@Yahoo.Com or call me at (269) 683-4411.