It’s Spring, and Oregonians are ready to be out and about enjoying the warmer weather, and for many that means strapping on a helmet and hitting the road.  Cycling is great for commuting, exercising, or enjoying an outing with friends, but the influx of bikes on the road, especially in cycle-friendly Portland,  can be distressing for drivers.  Bicycles have the same rights to the road as any other vehicle, and in the same respect, they are also required to follow the same laws and road rules as drivers. Here are some tips for drivers and bicyclists that will allow both to share the road safely.

FOR DRIVERS:

• Maintain Distance. Drivers should maintain a three-foot distance between their vehicle and a bicycle. When passing a bicyclist,  do so smoothly while maintaining a consistent speed and distance. 
• Turn Cautiously.  When making a left-hand turn be mindful of an approaching bicycle and when in doubt, yield as their speed may be faster than you think. When turning right, check your rearview mirror to check for a cyclist that may be approaching from behind. 
• Know the Signals.  It is a bicyclist’s responsibility to signal their intended movement  and as a driver, it is your responsibility to react accordingly as you would for a brake light or vehicle turn signal.  

FOR BICYCLIST:

• Be Predictable.  A bike is more nimble than a vehicle and easier to do quick turns but to a driver, this can cause a knee-jerk reaction that can create an unsafe situation.  Avoid any sudden turns or swerves that might cause a driver to react without warning. 
• Assume You Cannot Be Seen. To avoid collision, assume you are invisible to drivers. Do your best to stay out of the vehicles blind spot and attempt eye contact and acknowledgement with a driver before making turns.
• Be Aware of Parked Cars.  A vehicle does not have to be moving to be a hazard.  Maintain slow pace and keep a watchful eye out for car doors that might unexpectedly swing open catching you off guard. 

Both vehicles and bicycles have the right to be on the road and being aware of the laws and respectful of each other will allow everyone to get where they are going safely.  

Spring break is here, and after the past two years being backyard bound, many of us are headed for some fun in the sun. In the best case, your home is well-protected with a security alarm and camera, but regardless, don’t forget to employ these three simple steps before grabbing your bags and hitting the road.

1. Make It Look Like Someone Is Home. You may be lying poolside in Hawaii, but potential burglars don’t need to know that. Set your timers and smart appliances to turn on at various times. Have a friend park in your driveway and set your widow coverings as you normally would. Ask a neighbor to check your doorstep for any forgotten/delayed deliveries that may occur while you are gone.
2. Resist The Urge To Share: It is so tempting to post that pic beachside with your besties, but that social share is also an advertisement that your home may be empty. Ideally, it is best to wait until you get home to share the fun, but if you cannot resist the urge, make sure you turn off the geotagging feature on your phone and consider posting to “friends only” on social media.
3. Remove The Key. Even with smart locks, most of us have a hidden, possibly long forgotten backup key tucked away somewhere. Even if we think its the perfect spot, a well-seasoned criminal knows all the best hiding places. To be safe, give your spare to a neighbor for those “just in case” scenarios that might arise while you are gone.
   A few extra steps will give you peace of mind, knowing your home is well secured so you can enjoy your well-deserved vacation.

The masks have come off, and more people are out and about as the fast-paced rhythm of life slowly returns to the pre-pandemic levels.   While this is good news, these changes, coupled with ongoing uncertainty in the world can be stressful for many Americans.   

Here are three tips to consider you navigate the unpredicted events and uncomfortable emotions that might come your way.

1. Be Self- Compassionate. When life gets difficult recognize that what you’re experiencing is challenging. Give yourself permission to say, “this is hard.” Remind yourself that what you are feeling is valid. And don’t forget to breathe. 

2. Be Flexible. When life doesn’t go as planned, flexibility allows us to form a “Plan B”, and that can feel uncomfortable. These unexpected times are when flexibility is most important. Allow yourself to let go of previously held standards that don’t make sense in the present situation.  Give yourself permission to pivot

3. Commit To Self-care. When things get challenging, sometimes we tend to put ourselves last.  When physically drained, we’re more emotionally reactive, our thinking is clouded and our judgment is impaired. Times of stress are when taking care of yourself needs to take top priority.  Eating a healthy diet, partaking in enjoyable physical activity, and getting enough sleep is imperative.

Take care of yourselves and each other. 

Is it only an hour, right? As we turn our clocks forward this Sunday March 13th , we may gain more daylight, but that one-hour time loss can shake our bodies up just enough to create some adverse side effects. So as you spring forward, here are few things to keep an eye on.

1. Distracted Driving. A 2020 study showed a 6% increase in traffic accident risk the during the daylight savings time transition, most likely due to decreased alertness, slower reaction time, and darker morning commutes. 

2. Heart Scares. Studies have linked an increase in heart attacks by twenty-five percent the day after the clock’s turn. Be extra mindful of heart attack symptoms including dizziness, tightness in the shoulders, and shortness of breath.

3. The Munchies. When our bodies are tired, there is a spike in the hunger hormone, Ghrelin.  This can cause  more munching throughout the day on sugary carb-laden snacks to find energy. Turn to lean protein, whole grains, and keep hydrated instead to keep you energized as your body adjusts to the change in time. 

One hour can make a difference in our bodies so this weekend spring forward with a little extra care.