Minnesota Department of Transportation’s counters show walking and bicycling up is up 72 percent statewide since mid-March. Drivers please slow down and watch for people walking and bicycling.
If you’re walking, running or bike riding, please keep a 6-foot space between yourself and others.
Before heading out the door, please review these safety guidelines.
- Make sure your bike is in good working condition. Keep tires inflated and brakes in working order. Have reflectors and lights to help improve visibility.
- Review traffic laws. Bikes must obey traffic laws just like automobiles, including coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or stoplight, signaling turns and yielding to pedestrians.
- Vehicles, use caution when passing a bicyclist. The law requires at least three feet between the side of the vehicle and the bicycle.
- Take extra precautions if driving or biking at dawn or dusk and at night. It’s often more difficult to see bikers at these times.
- Bikers, wear bright colors, lights, reflective clothing and a helmet. Helmets can reduce head injuries by up to 95 percent. Helmets should fit snugly and not obstruct your view. Don’t wear loose clothing that could get caught in the bike chain or on shrubs or other obstructions.
- Take care in wet weather - allow extra time to stop – for both vehicles and bikes.
- Keep your eyes out for other bikers, roller bladers, pedestrians and pets.
- Visit www.minnesotasafetycouncil.org/bicycle for additional safety tips.
Roseville offers more than 70 miles of trails and pathways just right for biking. Maps are available at www.cityofroseville.com/maps.