Page 9 - FWG September Issue 2024

Security

STEPPING OUT SAFELY
Walking and running are great forms of
exercise for young and old alike. FWG is a
pedestrian-friendly estate, and residents
can enjoy the safety of their beautiful
neighbourhood while earning their daily
steps.

Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash the outdoors and to meet your neighbours,
While it is a great way to stay active, to enjoy
keeping safety in mind is essential.
Motorists, cyclists and pedestrians share
the roads, and even a minor distraction can
cause an accident.

Keep the following safety tips top of mind
when you step out:
bicycle if you are shivering from the cold. Watch out for the following: Walk facing the traffic – you need to see
• Vehicles that are turning left and what is coming your way.
Sunglasses (or clear glasses in the evening) whose drivers may not have seen you Be seen – wear bright or reflective clothing
protect your eyes from dust and the like approaching in their blind spots. when walking. Drivers can’t react to what
blowing into them. Again, it is difficult to • Drain covers that run in the same they don’t see.
control a bicycle if you are riding down a direction as your direction of travel. Crossing safely at intersections is your
steep hill, traffic next to you, and something • Glass, sand, water or oil spills. responsibility – never assume a vehicle
blows into your eyes. • Wet paint. will stop.
• Any road debris. Walk defensively – don’t assume drivers
Wear the right shoes. Slipslops or sandals • Vehicles that have just parked, as the know when you have the right of way; they
may be acceptable for a very short trip, driver/passenger may open a door may be distracted at a critical moment.
but have you considered what would without first checking to see if there is a Keep in contact – when walking alone, let
happen should the sandal get caught or cyclist approaching. someone know where you’ll be walking
you get involved in an accident? If possible, and when you expect to return.
wear closed shoes (again, make sure the What about other cyclists on the road? Keep your earbud volume down – always
shoelaces don’t get caught in the chain or Keep your eyes open for children or keep the volume at a level where you can
chainring) or – even better – MTB cycling novices as their bicycle-handling skills hear your environment. You need to be
shoes that allow you to walk around may not yet be up to scratch, and they aware of cars, kids, dogs and other factors
comfortably when off the bicycle. may get a fright should you pass them to walk safely.
too closely. Also, keep your eyes open Avoid distracted walking – stop talking
You need to know something about for other cyclists when approaching on the phone, texting, and playing games.
road conditions and traffic rules intersections. Stay aware of your environment.
Safe cycling includes knowing where Walking your dog – keep the leash short
you may or may not ride your bicycle, the Put down your phone so the dog does not dart unexpectedly into
general traffic rules, and your rights as a We shouldn’t even need to say this, but traffic or trip a runner or other walkers.
cyclist. According to South Africa’s traffic talking on the phone, texting, or checking Watch and listen for runners – listen
laws, bicycles are regarded as vehicles, social media while cycling are major for footsteps behind you, so you are not
which means you have every right to be no-nos. Also, refrain from listening to suddenly startled by a passing runner.
on the road. Ride assertively and make eye headphones because they make hearing Watch and listen for cyclists – especially
contact with drivers who may cross your any approaching cars and pedestrians when crossing a street or when you’re at an
path. more difficult. intersection.

SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING

Please report all security-related matters immediately, without delay.

A delay in reporting = a delay in resolution.

On-site Control Contact details:
011 465 5466 or 066 261 7671

Fourways Gardens • 7 • September 2024