May 2003, #9

Let's Walk & Roll

Safe Summertime Fun on the Island

Summer will soon be upon us and kids will be out of school and wanting to enjoy being outside. That means running, walking, skating, bicycling and jumping on that favorite scooter to go play with friends or on outings with family.

It is time for adults, kids, and families to get out together and walk or bicycle. Evening strolls along the water, a quick trip for an ice cream cone, build sand castles on the beach, or to play at the park. There are a ton of good excuses to get out and go!

We want everyone to be and feel safe when enjoying the out of doors. Motorists should remember that youngsters are short and it is difficult for kids to see vehicles coming, as well as for drivers to see kids. Since children’s peripheral vision is approximately one-third narrower than an adult’s, children can’t see a motorist approaching from the right or left as soon as an adult can. Children also have difficulty judging a car’s speed and distance, and they often think that if they can see the driver, then the driver can see them.

Parents and adults can help educate children to stop at the curb, look Left-Right-Left for traffic in all directions, before crossing, even where there is a traffic signal. Parents walking with their kids teach safety, health and well-being by example. By getting out with one’s kids you are being a positive role-model, as well as showing (not just telling) your kids how to safely walk around town.

For families who look to explore on bicycle, remember that helmets are a must for adults as well as youth. A child learns lessons from adults’ behavior – if an adult insists that a child wear a helmet and then doesn’t put one on as well, what kind of message is that sending?

Head injury is the leading cause of death and/or permanent disability in bicycle crashes. Bicycle helmets have been shown to reduce head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent.

Alameda is a terrific walking and bicycling community – pack up some snacks, water, put on comfortable clothes and begin to explore the island. Bay Farm Island has wonderful paths with breathtaking views of San Francisco and the bay, Shoreline has an inviting path where you can start at the bird sanctuary and end at Crown Beach and have a picnic, watch the wind surfers, or quietly sit in the sand. Alameda Point is the perfect spot for those beginning bicycle lessons for the kids and you can stop and watch the thrill-seekers at the youth-built Skate Park.

If all of us, - motorists, bicyclists, and walkers - obey the laws, pay attention to each other, and drive, bicycle and walk like our families’ lives depended on it, we will all enjoy a safe and fun summer.

Jeff Swatman is the Alameda Police Department Traffic Sergeant. If you have questions regarding pedestrian/bicycle safety, please call him at 748-4508 extension 3342. John Knox White and Audrey Lord-Hausman work with Pedestrian Friendly Alameda (www.pedfriendly.org) and BikeAlameda (www.bikealameda.org).

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