In our new world, taking a bike ride is what one might now consider a luxury. Yes, we’re supposed to be couped up at home, helping to make sure the Coronavirus doesn’t spread, but fortunately, our leaders, from Gov. Philip D. Murphy to President Donald J. Trump, have urged Americans to get some kind of exercise or recreation each day.
Going for a ride on a bicycle is certainly a way some have accomplished this — even as strange as it might look to be riding around with a mask and disposable gloves on.
With this comes a reminder of the need for drivers to be aware of the overall road situation, especially when cyclists are out and about.
Use caution. Please. When you’re exiting a parking space, look to ensure there are no bikers nearby.
When it’s time to get out of your vehicle, use your mirrors and/or turn around to be certain that when you are about to swing your door wide open unneccesarily that you’re not creating a hindrance for a biker that could cause one to go flying in the air.
And for cyclists, go with the flow of traffic, please. Don’t ride against traffic. Don’t ride on sidewalks unless it’s absolutely needed.
The bottom line here is that roads are shared. Bike riders have the right to be there just as much as you do in your car, van or SUV.
Let’s be kind to each other, share those streets nicely and make sure everyone arrives home safely.
Even if arriving home means being in complete isolation from the rest of the world.
Learn more about the writer ...
Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.