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Share the Road

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share_the_roadOur roads are intended to be shared by cyclists, motorist and pedestrians too!  And yet, we may not be aware of “the rules” of sharing the road.  KMM has put together a helpful list of the most important tips we should all review before we get behind handlebars or a wheel.

Communicate your intentions

Cyclists, use hand signals consistently.  Motorists, use turn signals in advance of turning to let everyone know your intentions.

Everybody Follows the Same Rules

Cyclists are safer when riding in the same direction as motorists and follow all the same rules as motorists.  Motorists come to a full stop when at a stop sign and do not speed through a yellow light to avoid the wait at a red light.

The Road Looks Different

Cyclists, scan the road ahead to have enough time to signal if you need to move out of the way.  Motorists, sewer grates, broken glass, gravel and puddles are all hazards to cyclists.  Always leave a three-foot buffer in the event a cyclist needs to move out of their lane.

Everybody Wins With Courtesy

Cyclists, the more courtesy you are with motorists, the more courtesy drivers will be.  Motorists, giving cyclists extra respect and consideration creates a safer environment for everyone.

Horns

Cyclists, NJ law requires all bikes be equipped with a horn or bell so that your presence is greatly increased.  Motorists, although the horn is used as a safety tool, it can be dangerous if used in extreme proximity to a cyclist.  A light tap on the horn is sufficient.

Managing Electronic Devices

Both cyclists and motorist, leave the cell phones, iPods and blackberry in your bags and not in your hands as you are driving or riding.  By doing so, you are keeping everyone safe.

And don’t forget, pedestrians have rights too!  Both cyclists and motorists are required by law to yield for pedestrians in crosswalks.  While pedestrians have the responsibility to be visible and predictable when using a crosswalk, cyclists and motorists can observe each others actions when approaching a crosswalk to anticipate a pedestrian using a crosswalk.

For more information, visit www.kmm.org for all your transportation needs.

 

Photo credit: www.thinkbicycles.org

Check Twice – July 31 is National Heatstroke Prevention Day

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Tomorrow, July 31, is National Heatstroke Prevention Day and we at KMM would like to share with you some safety tips everyone can use.  Let’s prevent this ver terrible tragedy from occurring.   wheresbaby_4c_horz

When outside temperatures are in the low 80s, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach deadly levels in only 10 minutes, even with a window rolled down two inches. Children’s bodies overheat easily, and infants and children under four years old are at the greatest risk for heat-related illness.

KMM, along with NHTSA, Safe Kids and its safety partners, are urging parents and caregivers to take the following precautions to prevent heat stroke incidents from occurring:

  • Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle — even if the windows are partially open or the engine is running and the air conditioning is on;
  • Make a habit of looking in the vehicle — front and back — before locking the door and walking away;
  • Ask the childcare provider to call if the child does not show up for care as expected;
  • Do things that serve as a reminder that a child is in the vehicle, such as placing a purse or briefcase in the back seat to ensure no child is accidentally left in the vehicle, or writing a note or using a stuffed animal placed in the driver’s view to indicate a child is in the car seat; and,
  • Teach children that a vehicle is not a play area and store keys out of a child’s reach.

 

Information source: NHTSA website

5 Tips for Driving in the Rain

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kmm driving in the rain tipsSummer brings long days, warm weather and more time spent enjoying the outdoors.  However, the occasional (or more-like weekly, these days) thunderstorms also make their summer appearance as the skies open and deluge us with heavy, blinding rain.

While it’s safest to stay off the roads during these heavy storms, sometimes the rain comes quickly and fierce.  KMM shares with you five important tips for driving in the rain.

  1. First and foremost, drive slow and focused.
  2. If driving on a highway, drive in the center lane since water tends to pool on the left and right lanes.
  3. If your wipers are on, so should your lights.  This keeps you visible to other drivers and helps you navigate the blinding rain too!
  4. Never drive through moving water, especially if you can’t see the roadway.
  5. Follow the tread marks of the car ahead of you and make sure to keep at least 5 seconds of driving distance between you and the car ahead of you.

New Brunswick Ciclovia is Coming!

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Ciclovia7.12 eventKMM is getting ready for the next New Brunswick Ciclovia, coming on Saturday July 12th!

Ciclovia is an open streets event that encourages New Brunswick residents and visitors of all ages to get physically active through biking, walking, skating, and programmed activities on closed city streets. KMM is partnering with Safe Kids Middlesex County to bring mini bike skills course to Remsen Avenue.

The July 12th event features an all-new route that connects New Brunswick’s downtown and residential neighborhoods with the Cook/Douglas campus of Rutgers University.  Plan ahead and check out the Cicolovia map!

To learn more about the program, be sure to visit the New Brunswick Ciclovia’s website.

Six Ways to get Ready for the Summer Heat

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ozone alertsIt happens each year.  You drive your normal commute route and find the traffic is slightly lighter than normal and the sun is shining.   And then you realize, it’s that time of year – The Summer Commute.  (Of course, this does NOT apply to the commuters who live by the NJ shore)

Along with the summer commute comes the summer heat.  Play it cool and smart this year and be in the know of how to deal with the summer heat.  Aside from keeping hydrated, think about your daily commute and activities.  Here are six ways you can prepare.

1. “Trip Link” by doing all errands at one time, you avoid unnecessary cold starts. An engine that’s been sitting for an hour or more pollutes five TIMES as much as a warm one.

2. Refuel at the end of the day. Ozone levels are usually at their highest in the mid-to late afternoon and pumping gas emits tons of VOC’s into the air a day. So save your pumping until evening.

3. Don’t “top off” your fuel tank This is never a good idea, no matter what time of day, because it causes fumes to escape.

4. Postpone mowing the lawn until late in the day or use an electric mower instead.

5. Grill outdoors in the late afternoon and avoid using charcoal lighter fluid (Try using a fire-starter chimney.), or use an electric or propane grill.

6. Reschedule strenuous outdoor activates. Avoid exercising, gardening or spending time outside during prime hours of 11am to 5pm when the temperatures are at their peak. Try conducting your outdoor activies before activities or after 6pm.

Remember, whatever you can do to help DOES make a difference.  Register for Ozone Alerts and stay cool this summer!

Yep – Instagram too!

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“A picture is worth a thousand words”

instagram-logoNow, more than ever, does this quote ring true in our very digitial world.  Everyone is snapping and sharing and uploading pictures at an unbelieviabel rate.

Add KMM to this list 🙂

KMM is now sharing and liking on Instagram.

Follow us.  Share with us and together, we can make our commutes happier and safer!

See on there mgpharmacie.com!

Lace up your Sneakers

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roosevelt-park-middlesex-countyjpg-1f9815b2dbf4c121With the weather slowly (very slowly) warming up,  everyone is spending more and more time outside walking, playing or just enjoying the fresh air.

Here in New Jersey, we are very lucky to have some of the most beautiful parks to explore  and we also have many communities that boast hiking trails and fun parks.

But before you lace up your sneakers, here are some walking safety tips.

Visibility – Make sure that you can be seen.
  • Wear bright-colored or light-colored clothing such as a cap, hat, jacket, vest  to make you more visible to other ans drivers.
  • Attach a piece of high visibility fluorescent material to your purse, backpack, briefcase, or any item in plain view.
Awareness – Make sure someone knows of your plans if you are hiking.
  • Inform family or a friend if you are planning a hike or long walk.
  • Make sure to have a bottle of water and some fruit or nutrition bars.
  • Bring your charged cellphone and a back-up battery.
Community Walking – Walking in the city poses many risks.  Know what is expected of you as a pedestrian

  • Cross only at corners or designated crosswalks.
  • Stop at the curb and look left-right-left.
  • Before stepping off the curb, be sure all vehicles have stopped. Make sure drivers see you.
  • Walk in front of parked cars instead of behind them whenever possible.
  • Listen for engine noise
  • Look for back-up lights.
Walking can be an enjoyable way to not only explore your community but it’s a great way to exercise too!  Happy Walking!
Photo Credit: Roosevelt Park, Middlesex County, NJ

Interactive Transit Map Helps Figure Out How to Get Where You Want to Go

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interactive mapNot sure how to get to your destination by train or bus in Middlesex County?

Check out  KMM’s  interactive map on kmm.org.  The map allows users to pinpoint their location and the mass transit available in the area.  In addition, the map also provides direct access to scheduling and fare information.

The map is designed to direct users to mass transit and the many connections available to a commuter.  For example, a commuter who may live in the southern area of Middlesex County and commutes to North Jersey can find that instead of driving the turnpike or parkway alone, can park at the Exit 8a park and ride lot and take one of the many buses that travels into Newark and then connect to the Northeast Corridor Train line in Secaucus Junction.

In addition to mass transit, the map also provides bike locker, bike baths, municipal centers and all libraries located in the county.  The KMM interactive map is a commuter’s friend.

Visit the site today and get started on easier commute.

This One is For the Dogs

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1375149_10201752336386621_1806692560_nThere are a lot of obvious distractions while driving like phones, iPods, CDs, food, and drinks.

However most people overlook that cute furry distraction that is present in the cars of 1 in 5 pet-owning Americans. Sure a floppy eared dog with his cute little head out the window is adorable, but also very dangerous for both the passengers and the dog himself.

Having an unrestrained pet in the car can be a bigger distraction than a cell phone or other inanimate object, because a pet has a mind of its own and if it’s not restrained, it can roam freely in the car.

While it isn’t a law in New Jersey yet, driving with pets is pretty common and statistics say that 31% of drivers who transported a pet said it was a distraction no matter where it was in the car.

So the next time you take Spot to the beach, “buckle” him up, because seat belts save lives-even of puppies.

(reposted from previous blog)