Time to Rally: Simple Physics

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As this pandemic is receding in the local area, I have been going out more in my car as well as my road bike, and I can’t help but notice that many people are walking and jogging. It’s a great way to get in tennis shape and be ready for a full reopening, but here is one simple safety rule:

Cycle, walk and jog with traffic, and not in the direction facing traffic.

This is counter-intuitive for many as they like to see cars coming but it is a dangerous mistake and I see it often every day.  It is way more important that cars see you, than for you to see cars if you wish to avoid a collision.

The reason is simple physics. If a car is traveling at 30 mph and you are jogging at 6 mph with traffic, you create greater relative distance and extra time for the car to avoid hitting you than if you move at 6 mph towards a car. 

Stay safe!

 

Pointset
Century

March/April 2024 Digital Edition