As the days get shorter, everyone — from pedestrians and dog walkers to joggers and cyclists — need to take extra steps to ensure they are visible. Sure, you can see the headlights of an oncoming car, but when will the driver see you in your black coat?
One of the best things to wear is a reflective vest. A motorist will see you 500 feet away, according to the Federal Highway Administration, compared to 180 feet away for those wearing white and just 55 feet away for those in blue. The WWBPA sells these at the Farmers’ Market and other events for $10. E-mail wwbikeped@gmail for details.
One WWBPA trustee goes a step further: a reflective vest with red blinking LED lights. Looking like a Christmas tree is a small price for being seen on dark, curving roads. Search the Internet for a vendor.
A WWBPA member reports seeing a bike covered with reflective tape that his headlights caught as he turned onto Alexander Road.
Another member always carries a flashing light as he walks to and from the train station.?Here are some of his tips:
Basically, walkers in the dark should be aware that (1)?any light is better than no light–so pick up a light!–but that (2)?a blinking red light gives great visibility, and that (3)?a red rear bike light with a loop for the seat post is very easy to hang on to and to direct as needed.
Also, I think pedestrians should use a light not just when crossing streets but also while just walking on the sidewalk along the street. This, I think, helps to make motorists more aware that pedestrians are out there in the dark and may help prepare motorists to expect pedestrians at crossings.
Commissioners of the NJ Department of Transportation and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Representative Rush Holt, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, and various other officials and representatives of organizations from around the state attended the ribbon-cutting press conference on October 13 for the last 1.5 mile “missing link” of the D&R canal path.? Once it is finished, cyclists and hikers will be able to get from New Brunswick to Frenchtown off the roadways.
Click here to read the Star Ledger article about the ribbon-cutting event.
The D&R Canal Path is part of the East Coast Greenway, which is developing a trail extending from Maine to Florida.
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The WWBPA closes out its season at the West Windsor Farmers’ Market this Saturday, October 10. Stop by to talk about your bicycle and pedestrian concerns. As usual, we will be selling reflective vests, which are an excellent way for both walkers and cyclists to ensure they are visible during these dark winter months, as well as our usual array of other bicycle safety equipment.
Our last Bike Rodeo of 2008 also takes place on Saturday as part of Hightstown Harvest Fair. Downtown will be closed off for several thousand visitors. The fair runs from 10 am to 4 pm, and the Bike Rodeo takes place from 1 pm to 4 pm in the parking lot of First Constitution Bank, 140 Mercer Street. Bring your bike and learn some new skills.
Bring your bicycle to West Windsor?s second environmental fair, GroWW, on October 3 and take part in the WWBPA?s Bike Rodeo. This is an excellent way for riders of all ages to practice skills like dodging obstacles and properly making left turns as well as to learn the ABC Quick Check.
The rodeo will run from 10 am to 2 pm in the Vaughn Drive parking lot.
The WWBPA also will hold a rodeo at Hightstown?s Harvest Fair on October 10. Find us in the First Constitution Bank parking lot, 140 Mercer Street, between 1 pm and 4 pm.
Monthly meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of the month via Zoom. We will eventually resume meeting in the West Windsor Municipal Building. Email us at [email protected] if you would like the Zoom code.
Find us at the West Windsor Farmers Market (Vaughn Drive parking lot) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every other Saturday from May through Halloween.
One of the best things to wear is a reflective vest. A motorist will see you 500 feet away, according to the Federal Highway Administration, compared to 180 feet away for those wearing white and just 55 feet away for those in blue. The WWBPA sells these at the Farmers’ Market and other events for $10. E-mail wwbikeped@gmail for details.
Commissioners of the NJ Department of Transportation and the NJ Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Representative Rush Holt, Mercer County Executive Brian Hughes, and various other officials and representatives of organizations from around the state attended the ribbon-cutting press conference on October 13 for the last 1.5 mile “missing link” of the D&R canal path.? Once it is finished, cyclists and hikers will be able to get from New Brunswick to Frenchtown off the roadways.
