The Winter Doldrums

kmm.orgDon’t let winter weigh you down.  Lift your family’s spirits with a brisk walk.  A walk around the corner, to a friend’s house, to the park, to the skating rink or sledding hill, or even to school in the sunshine and fresh cold air can put everyone in a better mood. Sound impossible? Here are some winter walking tips to put the spring in your step.

  • Be role model! If winter walking is normal to you, it’ll be normal to your children.
  • Being warm is not just about clothing.  Start out with a good breakfast and drink fluids to stay well-hydrated.
  • Dress appropriately. Bundle up in coats, hats, gloves, and scarves, of course. But also consider warm, waterproof boots (snow boots) and snow pants for snowy or very cold days.  Dress in layers.
  • Walking is more fun with friends! Recruit friends and neighbors to join you.
  •  Short winter days means dusk comes earlier.  Be visible.  Consider carrying a flashlight or clipping reflective tags to coats and backpacks.

Spring will be here before you know it, and April is New Jersey Walk and Bike to School Month. Now is a great time to bring in KMM for a school Walking Safety Assembly and to start planning a Spring Walk to School Day. Contact Safe Routes to School Coordinator Peter Bilton at (732) 745-3996 to find out more.

Remove Your Car From the Street… It Could Save Your Life

Awhile back, I was a member of the governing body in my town.  From time to time, constituents would call about any number of issues.  Calls piled high immediately after a snow storm.  Mostly, residents complained that they had been ticketed for leaving their cars on the street.

MH900289534I would explain that our town, like many communities, requires vehicles to be removed from the street when snow fall reaches a certain level. For some towns, it’s two inches.  In others, it may be “when the street is snow-covered.”  In my town, the day before a storm, the Public Works guys post signs up and down the street, reminding people to move their vehicles off the roadway.  Some communities use reverse 911 messaging systems to call residents.

These policies were not adopted to be mean.  They are not meant to inconvenience people.  They are definitely not meant to be revenue generators, as a disgruntled citizen always suggests.  They are meant to save lives.

Think about it.  Cars parked on the street, impede snow removal.  If the snow can’t be removed, the roads cannot be plowed adequately.  If the roads cannot be plowed adequately, ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars may not be able to respond quickly to emergencies.  If emergency personnel cannot respond quickly, a house could burn down or someone could die.

So, follow the rules.  Get your car off the street prior to a major snowfall.  Squeeze your family’s vehicles into your driveway or onto your lawn.  Make arrangements with your neighbor or a local business.  Learn if your town allows residents to move their cars to municipal parking lots.

Yes, it’s a pain.  But it would be a lot more painful if you or your family needed emergency services, and first responders couldn’t respond.

~RAK

Baby It’s Cold Outside – But Not for Biking!

Just because it’s cold out doesn’t mean you have to stop biking (to work, to school, to the store). A little extra preparation can make your winter cycling experience comfortable, safe, and fun. Plus, cycling through the winter is a great way to keep your New Year’s health and fitness resolutions!

MP900432901In dry weather you can cycle in your ordinary clothes, with a couple considerations for the cold: warm, wind-resistant gloves and a perhaps a thin cap that covers your ears and fits under your bike helmet. On the coldest days you may want to add a scarf to cover your mouth and nose, and extra-warm socks. Is your regular winter coat too thin for the cold wind of winter cycling? Just wear a fleece vest or light sweater underneath.

When the road is wet, fenders keep your clothes and shoes dry. An alternative is rain pants and shoe covers available at most bike shops. Thicker tires give more traction and control on wet or slushy roads. Ride a little slower than normal to maintain control of your bike.

Remember that it gets dark earlier in winter, so if you’re going to be riding in the late afternoon or evening bring your lights – a front white light and a rear red light. Also, consider wearing light-colored clothes or a reflective vest for even better visibility.

Enjoy your ride this winter!

~PB