This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Sports

Be Safe and Be Seen

Columnist Ann Brennan discusses steps we can take to stay safe while cycling, walking or running through our streets.

Years ago, my family and I went for a hike through the English countryside.  We started later than planned, took our time along the winding paths, through the hills of Surrey and finally found ourselves in a knoll that would have been beautiful under different circumstances.

Unfortunately for us, we had underestimated how long the circular course would take and found ourselves deep in the woods well after the sun had gone down.  Though we tried to make it seem like an adventure, my husband and I were truly worried. We did end up making it out of the woods and safely back to our car, but that had more to do with luck than experience.

With this experience in my pocket, you might think I would have learned my lesson.  Unfortunately, it is a hard one to learn and an easy mistake to make.

Find out what's happening in College Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

I recently found myself in a similar position. I had decided to use my bike to commute to an interview with a group of riders who were cycling from Boston to Washington. Though I thought I had timed it well, I also thought I was prepared if time ran over. Unfortunately, I didn’t double check before I left the house and forgot that I had removed the lights that I usually keep on my bike for just such situations.

For almost five miles I rode in almost total darkness, praying that my bright orange jacket was enough to attract the attention of drivers.

Find out what's happening in College Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Again, I got lucky. But luck is not something I like to rely on. With the days getting shorter, it is important for me to be prepared. It is important to always double check that I have the lights, to make sure they are turned on no matter what time of day it is, and to do everything in my power to make sure I am visible to cars.

Darkness is not the athlete’s friend. Whether we are riding our bikes along country roads, hiking through the woods, or taking an evening walk with our children, we need to remember this one fact. We need to make ourselves visible.

This year, Anne Arundel County seems to be taking the lead in fatalities involving cars and pedestrians, but historically, Prince George’s County has held that lead by far. In an area filled with people using bicycles and walking as a mode of transportation and athletes who take to the road before and after work, it is easy to see how this is the case.

I am a true believer in the importance of fitness. I am also a true believer in using my own power, either by walking or cycling, for commuting as much as possible. But I also believe, that as the ones in the most danger while out on the roads, it is our responsibility to do everything we can to stay safe.

While there are several steps we can take, like not wearing earphones, facing traffic while walking and with traffic while cycling, and obeying traffic laws, the most important one to keep in mind, whether it is 2 p.m. or 4 a.m. is to make ourselves visible with bright colored clothing, as well as lights. 

Every week I hear about another cyclist or pedestrian killed somewhere in our state.  Please be careful out there. Light yourself up like a Christmas tree. Be seen and be safe.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?