Well, it finally feels like Spring is here. The milder temperatures and plenty of sunshine has lured the masses out of their winter shelters and scattered them throughout our parks, neighborhoods and community. The bike trails are full of walkers, joggers and cyclists, the tennis courts and ball fields are filling up with sports enthusiasts eager to get in shape for the upcoming seasons and our children, out of school on Spring break are out in numbers enjoying the weather. Of course, with all this activity comes the need for motorists to pay special attention in neighborhoods, at intersections and around city parks.
The warmer weather is also an attraction to area bicyclists. There are many bicycle enthusiasts in which include cyclists who ride for health and fitness, riders for pleasure and children. Regardless of why you ride, please be aware of the laws pertaining to riding bicycles safely in our community. By city ordinance, bicycles are not to be ridden on sidewalks in the Downtown business district. Cyclists need to be sure to always wear a protective helmet, obey all traffic laws, always follow the flow of traffic and stay to the right as safely as possible, be especially alert at intersections, wear brightly colored clothing, stay alert at all times, be predictable and never ride at night without ample lighting and reflective clothing.
Motorists need to use caution and “Share the Road” with area cyclists. Pass with care and pay special attention around bike paths and park areas!
Be wary of pedestrians, runners, joggers and walkers who will also be taking advantage of the warmer weather. Runners/joggers/walkers also need to follow a few safety tips to keep your activities safe. Be sure to stay on sidewalks whenever available and if none are present, always travel as close to the edge of the road as possible facing oncoming traffic. Be sure to wear bright colored or reflective clothing while running to make motorists aware of your presence. Never use earplugs or music devices while jogging to avoid missing warning sounds such as approaching vehicles or car horns.
Another warm weather attraction is motorcycling. Motorcycling is very popular in the Rolla area and within the past 2 to 3 years we have seen an marked increase in the smaller scooters and pocket rocket type motorcycles in the community. These vehicles although very popular are some of the smallest vehicles on the road and are easily overlooked. Motorcyclists need to follow some basic safety tips to ensure their safety while operating in traffic. Remember to always wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved safety helmet, even though they are not required on scooters with an engine displacement of less than 50 cc’s. Wear bright or reflective clothing and be sure to activate your headlight at all times day or night! When riding in a group ride in a staggered formation and when approaching an intersection close up the gaps to reduce traffic congestion. Motorists inherently are watching for cars and trucks and quite often will overlook motorcyclists and bicyclists.
This week’s employee spotlight will feature Telecommunicator Jamie Jones! Jamie has been with us since September of 2005. She came to us from Pulaski County Sheriff’s department where she had dispatched for two years before joining the RPD team. Jamie is the daughter of Burton and Sandy Fritchey of Dixon, MO. She and her husband Mario Jones have been married for four and half years. They are the proud parents of two dogs, Molly and Havyn. Though they do not have any other children yet, Jamie is very close to her nephew Jayrn Brown who is a 2nd grader in Dixon. Jamie spends a lot of time cheering Jaryn on in baseball, soccer and basketball! Jamie is blessed to come from a very close family and despite their busy schedules, they are able to find time to keep those ties close. Not only is Jamie one of our most experienced dispatchers, she is also one of our most talented! She loves to sing and as she says, she can “make a song out of most anything”. She puts her talent to good use at the Dixon Assembly of God Church where she is Director of Praise & Worship. Jamie’s professionalism, positive attitude, integrity and sense of humor make her an MVP on the RPD team. We are lucky to have her!
In closing, we members of the Rolla Police Department would like to wish you and your family a Happy Easter and if you are traveling this weekend, please remember to drive safely for a happy return!
Have a great week!
Chief Mark Kearse
No comments:
Post a Comment