The good weather has arrived, and people are out enjoying it—walking, jogging, and bicycling along the byways of Harvard. School is winding to a close, and we can expect to see children joining the ranks of those enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. Sunny weather also offers a temptation to drivers—to roll down the windows, hit the gas, and enjoy the breeze as they course through town. But this is a recipe for disaster. A child can dart into the road; a bicycle can pop a tire, sending it out into the roadway; the vegetation along our scenic roads can conceal walkers and bikers from cars and trucks until they are very close. Drivers should always use caution on Harvard’s winding roads but should take extra care at this time of year—slow it down, and give a wide berth to those ambling along Harvard’s streets.

As for bicyclists—we’ve seen several entries in the police log recently regarding complaints about bicyclists riding in the middle of the roadway and making no effort to move over. Rules of the road apply to bicycles as well as cars: cyclists should ride in the right-hand lane and should keep to the right, so as not to impede traffic. They should use hand signals when turning and obey the same traffic signs as people driving cars.

With a little common courtesy and a healthy dose of caution, we can all enjoy being on the road this summer.