Letter: Watch out for bikers

We’re more than halfway through the peak tourist season. While most visiting cyclists are responsible and mindful of their safety, there is still room for improvement. And, there will be no letup in bike usage. On Trip Advisor, visitors rate riding our bike trails as the best thing to do on Hilton Head Island.

Heading into the dog days of summer, our hats are off to residents for an exemplary bike safety record since March. Please continue to practice some key safety elements.

At any intersections with a crossing pathway, be sure you stop and look both ways twice before proceeding. If there are approaching or waiting cyclists, make eye contact with the lead biker until you both agree who goes first.

Be careful at crosswalks, and while you know motor vehicles have the right of way, know that you must yield to bikes and pedestrians already in the crosswalks.

So let’s appreciate the joy these visitors are experiencing. Think about what it was like when we were in their sneakers. Share the road and help send these folks home safely.

After all, as a gold level Bike Friendly Community, the highest ranking of any community in the Southeast, safety for us all is Job No. 1.

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Letter: Watch out for bikers."