Parkview Trauma Centers want to remind all motorists, bikers, cyclists, walkers and runners to Share the Road.
Have you ever stopped to think about the many ways travelers use our roads in northeast Indiana?
- Cars
- Pedestrians/runners
- Tractor trailers
- Amish buggies
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
- Heavy trucks
- Farm equipment
- Heavy machinery
- Construction equipment
It all adds up to a need for motorists and other travelers alike to be alert and aware of traffic and road conditions. People who use slower, less protected modes of transportation are at risk of life-threatening injury in any impact situation. All of us share responsibility for safe travel on area roadways.
Parkview Trauma Centers’ Share the Road initiative includes four billboard designs that feature a runner, a motorcyclist, a cyclist and an Amish buggy. You may have seen the Share the Road vehicle in traffic; wrapped in artwork that reminds motorists to be aware, it has been provided by Evans Toyota, a partner with Parkview in Share the Road.
Motorist safety tips
- Be alert! Don’t drive distracted.
- Stay at least 3 feet from bicycles (it’s a Fort Wayne ordinance).
- Always look first, then signal before changing lanes.
- Obey traffic laws and be aware of posted speed limits.
- When parking along a street, check for cyclists before opening the car door.
- When passing a bicycle, hug the centerline and pass at 15 mph or less. If no vehicles are approaching from the other direction, cross the centerline slightly to allow the cyclist more room.
- Be aware of areas with running trails, and stay alert for runners on the road.
- When in rural areas, be aware of buggies, as they are slow-moving vehicles.
- Turn on your lights to help cyclists and other motorists see you.
- Pay attention to traffic signs alerting you to others on the road.
- Slow down, and never drive impaired.
- Share the Road.
- Turn on your lights to help cyclists and other motorists see you.
Bike safety
The Parkview Trauma Centers team participates in many community events promoting bicycle use for a healthy lifestyle, and providing safety education.
Cyclists should:
- Always wear a properly fitted bike helmet.
- Ride with traffic.
- Put the cell phone away: Don’t text or talk while riding.
- Obey traffic laws, signs and signals.
- When riding at dusk, wear reflective clothing, and make sure your bike has reflectors and lights.
- Use both hands on the handle bars – except to signal a turn or stop – and stay alert!
- Never hold on to a moving vehicle.
Cyclists have a great asset in the Rivergreenway, a linear park and pathway owned and maintained by the Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Fort Wayne Public Works Department and the New Haven/Adams Township Parks & Recreation Department. Along with promoting use of the Rivergreenway, the City of Fort Wayne is working to expand the network of cycling paths. The city has also extended existing bike lanes on some downtown streets and established new bike lanes on other streets as part of this effort.
Read more about:
- Greenways Foundation, Promoting Indiana Trails & Greenways
- Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation, Rivergreenway
Motorcyclists
- Be visible:
- Make sure your headlights and brake lights are working.
- Be aware that cars and trucks have blind spots, and ride where drivers can see you.
- Flash your brake lights when slowing down.
- Dress for safety:
- Wear a helmet, eye protection and thick, protective leather clothing.
- Wear a bright-colored helmet or jacket.
- Give motorists time and space to respond to your presence.
- Be alert!
- Obey traffic laws. Never drive impaired.
Runners/Pedestrians
- Be alert! Do not use headphones or ear buds.
- Run “against traffic,” in the opposite direction from the traffic flow.
- Always carry identification in case of an emergency.
- Run/walk with a partner, or let someone know your route and when you plan to return.
- Wear reflective clothing.