‘Drivers, please, please, protect our families, including runners, cyclists, and seniors. Share the road safely,’ says frustrated letter writer
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Walking a stroller, running, or cycling on rural area roads should not feel like a dangerous test of survival. Yet, in the past year or so, I felt like this is exactly what I’ve taken on.
As a local grandmother and avid runner, in Severn Township, I face narrow roads with deep, poison ivy-filled ditches. I urge drivers to slow down, wait for oncoming traffic to pass, and move completely over when passing any vulnerable road user.
The reality of our rural roads
No safe space: Largely without paved shoulders and with hazardous ditches, pedestrians and cyclists press as far to the edge as possible, yet vehicles still pass us too closely.
The danger: Passing too closely at high speeds — especially considering heavy gravel trucks are area road users — puts absolute fear into other road users. An animal jumping from the roadside, a pot hole or a mechanical issue could cause a driver to unintentionally swerve into a pedestrian or cyclist, resulting in a catastrophe.
The rule: Slowing down while hugging the pedestrian or cyclist is not enough; drivers must move completely over or wait safely to pass us.
The Good and the Bad
Courteous drivers: Many local drivers and gravel truck operators have shown wonderful respect by slowing down or even signaling a full lane change to go around us.
Our appreciation: We always offer a big wave and a smile to thank drivers who share the road safely.
The warning: For the drivers who rush past too close, we motion to move over, but it is often too late to prevent the dangerous manoeuvre.
Drivers, please, please, protect our families, including runners, cyclists, and seniors. Share the road safely.
Anne Mcgrath
Severn Township