Ways to get from here to there safely

By Larry Weymouth

The way people are getting around town seems to be changing. Bikes are having near-collisions at intersections with other bikes instead of with cars. (This has recently happened to me more than once during morning rush hour.)

In spite of the near calamities, it’s a good sign. I think more people are deciding to fight global warming and save on gasoline costs by reducing their car trips. While limiting green house gases is a noble goal, let’s remember that preventing personal injuries, whether to yourself or others, is also extremely important.

We all need to be more aware of pedestrians and bicyclists on our neighborhood streets. I’ve been as lax as anyone at times. Conversely, if you are a walker or biker, stay alert, don’t assume car drivers see you, and properly equip yourself.

Bicyclists need helmets, walkers need good shoes. At night, increase visibility with bright clothing, reflectors and lights. I’ve noticed some obviously otherwise intelligent bicyclists zooming down Witham Hill Drive without a helmet. What a thrill, but don’t they know that even a low-speed bike accident without a helmet can cause serious head injury?

Friday is a popular day for biking to work in Corvallis because it’s “dress casual day” at several businesses. Many bike commuters report that during rush hour they can get to work just as fast as by car. I’ve been surprised by the number of bicyclists with gray hair I see.

I’ve also noticed a lot more adults and children of all ages who are walking to work or school. This means that car drivers need to expect more pedestrians crossing streets and driveways. Stay off the cell phone, too. A car may get you there faster, but just living life in less of a hurry to get everywhere also has its benefits. Walking reduces stress and is great exercise.

I’m getting older and not moving as fast as I used to anyway. My knees do better on a bike than walking long distances.

But I can still comfortably manage a healthful, pleasurable quarter-mile walk to my neighborhood bus stop. I see a lot more people standing under bus stop signs. With high gas prices, the bus ride can cost about the same per mile as driving.

To “catch” the bus, I just have to be less impulsive about my trips and plan ahead. Have you located the nearest bus stop to your home?

For most routes, the bus is scheduled to arrive at the bus stop at the same time every hour or half-hour. For me to get downtown on the bus, I need to be at the bus stop at 43 minutes after the hour. My bus back home leaves from the Downtown Transit Center exactly on the hour.

We’re lucky that from any part of Corvallis all bus routes lead to the many shops, parks and eateries downtown. By the way, this summer kids can ride free on the bus thanks to a grant from Allied Waste.

The City of Corvallis has been improving its bus service, crosswalks and bike lanes. You’ve been paying for it, you might as well use it. No excuses. Drive less, live more. Resolve to bike/walk/bus to work, school or downtown more often — at least once per week. It’s good for your health, wallet and planet. Just be safe doing it.

Larry Weymouth lives in Corvallis near heavily

traveled Harrison Boulevard.