Marsh column: Thank you for sharing the road
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It is so exciting to see a community that is so active. More and more I see people walking, running and cycling throughout Rowan County. Way to go!
An active lifestyle is important for a healthy mind, spirit and body, and if running, walking and cycling works for you that is wonderful.
I have been running early Sunday morning when the traffic is not bad and want to thank the cars on N.C. 150 and Neel Road for giving me plenty of space when passing by.
Unfortunately that is not always the case. Too many people are too involved in where they are going to not see how they are getting there.
Some do’s and don’t’s for walkers, runners and cyclists:
• Wear bright clothes.
• Use roads which are less traveled by vehicles.
• When no sidewalks/Greenway available, exercise at a time of day when peak traffic is not going on (if at all possible).
• Respect the drivers — when you are the only one holding up a stream of vehicles find a spot you can get off the road and let them pass. Not doing that will only make them angry and possibly cut you off.
• When crossing roads, pay attention. Even at intersections with stoplights. Cars can turn on red.
• When they give you the space let them know you appreciate it and acknowledge them with a thumb up or wave.
Drivers:
• Give enough space to pass your pedestrian/cyclist. If you have to wonder if you are giving them enough space, you are too close.
• Slow down when passing.
• Walkers, runners and cyclists are not doing it to make your life miserable … and will you really be that much later when you have to slow down just a bit?
• Watch the hills. Flying over them can be a disaster when others are sharing the road. Speed limit signs are there for a reason.
Become part of this exciting community which becomes healthier and more active each year.
I know people who have been hit by cars while exercising, including driven over (and survive) by vehicles. Some of them did not survive the accident. I know people who had things thrown at them for sharing the road. But I also know a lot of people (including myself) who really appreciate you letting us share the road. And the next time you see a very bright yellow, green, or orange “speck” on the side of the road … it might be me. And thank you for giving me space while I share the road with you.
Ester H Marsh, ACSM Cpt
E-mail to a friend
It is so exciting to see a community that is so active. More and more I see people walking, running and cycling throughout Rowan County. Way to go!An active lifestyle is important for a healthy mind, spirit and body, and if running, walking and cycling works for you that is wonderful.
I have been running early Sunday morning when the traffic is not bad and want to thank the cars on N.C. 150 and Neel Road for giving me plenty of space when passing by.
Unfortunately that is not always the case. Too many people are too involved in where they are going to not see how they are getting there.
Some do’s and don’t’s for walkers, runners and cyclists:
• Wear bright clothes.
• Use roads which are less traveled by vehicles.
• When no sidewalks/Greenway available, exercise at a time of day when peak traffic is not going on (if at all possible).
• Respect the drivers — when you are the only one holding up a stream of vehicles find a spot you can get off the road and let them pass. Not doing that will only make them angry and possibly cut you off.
• When crossing roads, pay attention. Even at intersections with stoplights. Cars can turn on red.
• When they give you the space let them know you appreciate it and acknowledge them with a thumb up or wave.
Drivers:
• Give enough space to pass your pedestrian/cyclist. If you have to wonder if you are giving them enough space, you are too close.
• Slow down when passing.
• Walkers, runners and cyclists are not doing it to make your life miserable … and will you really be that much later when you have to slow down just a bit?
• Watch the hills. Flying over them can be a disaster when others are sharing the road. Speed limit signs are there for a reason.
Become part of this exciting community which becomes healthier and more active each year.
I know people who have been hit by cars while exercising, including driven over (and survive) by vehicles. Some of them did not survive the accident. I know people who had things thrown at them for sharing the road. But I also know a lot of people (including myself) who really appreciate you letting us share the road. And the next time you see a very bright yellow, green, or orange “speck” on the side of the road … it might be me. And thank you for giving me space while I share the road with you.
Ester H Marsh, ACSM Cpt
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