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Wellness among people is a valuable goal in any community and while this stems largely from encouraging people to abstain from substance abuse, it also applies to showing them how to make wise decisions in how to interact with other aspects of community life. Cortland is a small sized city, with many attractions located conveniently in an accessible downtown area. In addition, many residential areas, as well as a college campus are all found within the city limits. As a result, many people choose alternative modes of transportation to get around town, most notably bicycles, but this can also include inline skates, or skateboards. All vehicles, cyclists, cars, and skaters should be aware of a few basic tips, all which can be found on the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles’ website that will ensure the secure passage of everyone through our city streets. Cars, cyclists, and skaters should obey all traffic signals, signs, and pavement markings, and are subject to receive tickets for not doing so. In addition, all these travelers have a right to share the road, but cyclists and skaters are not permitted on interstates and major highways. Furthermore, cyclists and skaters should ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. Riding against traffic, is the leading cause of accidents among cyclists. Riding bikes with the flow of traffic makes the cyclist more visible to motorists traveling in the same direction, and also gives pedestrians who are supposed to be walking against the flow of traffic a longer time to see these approaching vehicles. Cyclists and skaters, like automobiles, must also use signals when turning. Many accidents occur because cyclists make unpredictable maneuvers that other motorists don’t have time to prepare for. There are three simple hand motions which will alert other vehicles of your upcoming actions. Always using your left hand, because it’s easier for traffic to see, the signal for a right turn would be the left hand extended upwards, as if waving. The signal for a left turn would be the left arm extended straight out to the side, with no bend in the elbow. The signal for an upcoming stop is the left arm, bent downwards, as if waving upside down. It is permissible for cyclists and skaters to travel side by side on the road, if there is room for them to do so. On streets such as Port Watson, Clinton, and South Main, there is usually a wide enough shoulder to allow this. However, when other vehicles need to pass, then groups of cyclists and skaters should ride in single file. This will allow the motorist to get around slower traffic more safely. The same goes if a group of cyclists is passing another cyclist, in which case the group doing the passing should switch to single file, to move around the slower vehicle. There are certain gear requirements for cyclists and skaters. In the state of New York, it is a law that all scooters, skaters, and cyclists must wear a helmet if under the age of fourteen, although it’s recommended that people of all ages where helmets, and adults can set a positive example to younger riders by exercising good judgment in their own helmet policy. Bicycles must have working brakes and people who will be riding at night should have reflectors mounted on the front and rear of their cycle. If they are on a skateboard for example, where there is no room to mount reflectors, then they should be wearing clothing which is reflective in head lights. No one should be carrying packages, or other items such as large back packs, which will obstruct their vision in any direction. Choosing alternative modes of transportation to cars can be a great way to save money on gas, preserve the environment, improve physical stamina, and in the process enhancing overall community and personal wellness. A little attention to detail, awareness of traffic laws, and respect for those around, will continue to keep Cortland’s roadways safe and accessible. By Mark Ingram Americorps Volunteer Cornell Cooperative Extension
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