During the end of August and early September, there are certain things that you're used to seeing a little more frequently in Boston. U-Hauls stuck on Storrow Drive, new students looking lost while they walk down Beacon Street and more cyclists on the road.
Beth Wolfe, Coordinator of Tufts Medical Center's Injury Prevention Program is very active in the Boston cycling community. Below, she's provided information on how the city and our program approach bicycle safety and tips on how to share the road safely.
Approach to sharing a safe road
We all share responsibilities for being safe road users regardless if we are in a car, on a bike, or walking. Below are a few tips that I always try to preach and practice to keep me safe on the roads as I walk, bike, and drive everyday:
- Don’t walk, bike, or drive distracted! Leave the ear buds and headphones in your bag and save the texting/Pokemon/Snaps/social media posts for home or while riding the T.
- Wear light colored clothing, especially at night. If you work into the late evening hours, bring a change of clothes for your commute home so that you can take off your traditional black attire and exchange it for something brighter. Additionally, walk and bike on well-lit streets to make it easier for others to see you.
- If you are riding your bike at night, make sure you have at least a front light (it is the law!), but we suggest having one for the rear as well. It is recommended that night time bike riders also wear reflective gear or a reflective vest.
- Obey all road signals and laws! Recently the City of Boston lowered the speed limit across most parts of the city to 25 MPH because speed plays a significant role reaction time to avoid crashes as well as injury severity of those involved in a crash. Be diligent in paying attention to and aware of all streets signs, signals, and markings as these are present to keep everyone safe.
- Lastly, if you are commuting in Boston take your time, don’t rush, and give all road users their space. We all have the right to use the city and state roads, so please be respectful, patient, and aware of the people/vehicles around you.
