For the past 2 years during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bike-Walk Alliance has urged everyone to stay safe and do your best to keep yourselves and others safe as well. Our position remains the same and we continue to hope that everyone using New Hampshire’s rail trails, sidewalks, and roadways will continue to do so safely.
The NH Guidelines for COVID-19 safety were updated earlier this year and BWANH embraces these new guidelines and strongly recommends reviewing the document found here to ensure your compliance.
As we have all realized during the pandemic, many recommendations put in place during that time have been beneficial for the long-term. Here are some tips we think are worth noting when you are biking or walking.
- Stay home if you have signs of illness.
- Do get outside for exercise, mental health and recreation as much as possible.
- Continue to practise social distancing when appropriate.
- Due to the increased popularity of rail trails please remember these points: 1) Bicyclists on rail trails should always yield to pedestrians and other trail users such as equestrians and joggers and 2) Stay to the right as much as possible if you are biking or walking. Bicyclists should always politely give an audible signal (voice or bell) to other trail users before passing
- It is never a good time to have a fall, crash or mishap and our medical systems are still recovering from the demands made on them during the height of the pandemic, so please ride safely to avoid injuries. Relax and enjoy the ride.
- Now is the perfect time to support your local Bike Shop. Many shops suffered supply chain issues and are just now getting back in full swing. Consider supporting your local bike shop by purchasing a bike bell, high visibility clothing or a new helmet. Check out the Bike Shops who support BWANH here.
Due to the possibility of new variants popping up at any time and the continued vulnerability of many bicyclists and pedestrians, we continue to provide the following links to articles on Bicycling During a Pandemic:
- “Rails to Trails Conservancy Covid-19 Guidelines & Resources for Rail Trails”
- “Biking in the Corona Virus Era” Love to Ride
- “Safe Cycling During Social Distancing” People For Bikes
Basic Bike & Walk Safety Handouts
Always a good idea to review these safety guidelines & tips!
- New Hampshire Bicycle Laws for Motorists & Bicyclists
- Kids Bike Safety Handout
- Kids Walking Safety Handout
