Condolences…

Reports from Arlington state that an elderly woman has died after being struck by a cyclist this morning on the Four Mile Run Trail. We are saddened to hear of this crash and loss of life, and we offer our condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. This incident is a tragic reminder of the need to share our trails and roadways for the benefit of all users. In the hope of preventing future crashes such as this one, we remind cyclists to pass pedestrians on the left and provide an audible signal with a bell or a shouted warning when passing. Reciprocally, we ask pedestrians to maintain awareness of their surroundings and the ability to hear such audible signals on trails shared with bicyclists and other trail users. We all enjoy the benefits of our shared trails and must share the responsibility to use them safely. They are transportation routes and recreation routes and refuges–for both cyclist and pedestrian–from the more traffic-filled roadways. We appreciate and value them, and must all endeavor to share them together as a joint refuge. Condolences. And be safe, however you travel.