Last week's bicycling accident in Portland shook me up pretty good. All weekend long I just couldn't get it off my mind. Maybe it's my own sense of mortality reminding me that every day is a gift.

Accidents happen. But this one didn't need to.

Jeff Miller, Executive Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, put it this way:

Initial reports are that the bicyclist wasn't just in the wrong place at the wrong time, he was riding against traffic, one of the most dangerous things you can do on a bicycle. Driving a bicycle in traffic is dramatically safer when you follow the rules of the road. Drive with traffic (on right), stop at stop signs and lights, use lights at night - these three will keep you out of harms way 90% of the time.

He's right.

So this is a gentle reminder. For bicyclists: Know your bicycle safety rules and practice them. We all forget. Now's a good time to refresh. For drivers: Know that there may be bicyclists (and pedestrians!) out there at any time, even in winter. Follow the rules for motorists. Be aware. Drive with caution.

Go a step further... Support the bicycling effort in Maine by joining the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, our best advocate for bike safety and education.

Join your local bike club too. You'll find new friends to ride with, explore new places and learn good bicycling practices. In the Portland area the folks at the Casco Bay Bicycle Club ride and have lots of fun all year long.