World Physical Activity Day, celebrated on April 6, is the ideal time to remind us that physical exercise is very important for gymnastics and bullfighting in the park. More and more people are choosing public roads to walk, run, pedal, or even skate or trot. But this active mobility, which is both safe and environmentally friendly, requires extra care from all road users, especially motorists and motorcyclists.
The coexistence between drivers and physical activity practitioners must be guided by respect, attention and compliance with traffic rules. It is not a quest of civility — it is a quest of security.
Drivers: 10 precautions we can do (all) differently
- Reduce speed whenever you notice pedestrians, cyclists or in unpaved areas.
- Ultrapass cyclists only when it is possible to maintain a lateral distance of at least 1.5 meters.
- Never cross a continuous path, unless you step on it and, also, maintain a safe distance.
- Make all your actions clear in advance and with clarity.
- Be particularly attentive at intersections, exits from garages and roundabouts.
- Never talk next to cyclists or children, except in emergency situations.
- When opening the car door on streets with side parking, always look behind you and pay special attention to cyclists or children who are dislocated under pressure (or on skates or roller skates, for example).
- In coexistence zones, prepare to stop at any moment. It is a legal obligation.
- Pay special attention to areas where you know what children are used to. A ball that jumps in the middle of the road or a bicycle lock can lead to emergency work.
- Maintain constant attention, especially in areas where the presence of cyclists and runners is frequent, avoid the use of mobile devices or other distractions that could compromise your ability to react.
Cyclists: difficulties, difficulties and vulnerabilities
With the alterations to the Road Code in 2014, the bicycle was equated to the remaining vehicles. This means that it can circulate in the roadway, that it has priority in the direction of traffic and that it can, under certain conditions, circulate on par with another bicycle, as long as it does not prejudice the fluidity of traffic or does not place it in the cause of everyone's safety.
But it continues to be one of the most vulnerable. An attack at 30 km/h could be fatal for a cyclist. It is mandatory to maintain a lateral distance at the crossings and prohibit crossing cyclists stepping on continuous paths.
The training is mandatory on electric bicycles, but strongly recommended for all. In conditions of reduced visibility, the reflector line is more than a recommendation: it is a good sense quest.
Peões, runners and trotinetes: real presence, constant pursuit
We always have time to go. When you are not walking, use the berms. When there are no nearby passadeiras, cross where we can. And even though there are rules — always walk left, wear light-colored clothes at night, don't walk distracted — their fragility forces us drivers to take extra care.
Skaters and scooters without motors are legally equated to peões. We must circulate our walks or appropriate routes. But nem always is what happens. And this is where driving surveillance becomes vital.
See and be seen: the role of Help Flash
Visibility is a critical factor in accident prevention. A Help Flash, being a light signaling device, offers a simple and effective solution for burning immobilized on the road, caused by a varia or accident.
A magnetic touch is enough for the device to emit visible light at 360º and more than a kilometer of distance — same as nevoeiro or chuva. It is an essential safety equipment for any driver and for other road users who are aware of it in advance.
Everyone's road — but responsibility comes in that it travels at greater speed and with more protection
Driving with attention is more than a legal obligation. It is a human being. It is reconfirmed that on the other side of the street there could be a neighbor, a colleague, a friend, someone who does not see himself or does not detect a potential danger because it will be too late.
On this day, April 6, the celebration of physical activity comes accompanied by a new consciousness. Because active mobility is positive, it demands respect from everyone. And road safety is not resolved only with signaling — it is resolved with behavior.
I left for the road. With care, with empathy and, above all, with humanity and love for your loved ones.
