The Park Rapids lakes area becomes congested in the summer with motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists. We all need to pay extra attention to our surroundings to avoid tragedy.
We've all seen near-misses as pedestrians or bicyclists cross Highway 34 or 71 in Park Rapids. No one group is to blame. Everyone needs to be more careful and be mindful of the surroundings.
Sure, it sounds like common sense, but there are many people who become distracted or are in their own zone and forget.
Pedestrians should cross the street at an intersection or crosswalk. Be defensive. Look both directions before crossing, just in case someone else isn't paying attention.
We saw a tragedy unfold in Fargo earlier this week. A 2-year-old girl died after being struck by a car Monday night while crossing South University Drive at 25th Avenue. Police are continuing to investigate the accident but it appeared the girl, who accompanied by an adult, was in a crosswalk.
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None of us want to see a similar incident in Park Rapids.
Bicyclists need to also pay attention to the rules of the road. Share the road and be aware of motorists. Don't ride through traffic signals or stop signs and don't dart out into traffic.
And finally, drivers need to remember that pedestrians and bicyclists have a right to be on the road as well.
Pay attention to crosswalks and slow down in heavy-foot-traffic areas, especially around downtown Park Rapids.
For safety, give bicyclists space to ride. We have lanes for bicyclists through Park Rapids. Make sure to respect those areas.
The ultimate goal is for everyone to respect each other with safety in mind. Let's keep our roads safe for everyone.
