Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The Siuslaw news. (Florence, Lane County, Or.) 1960-current | View Entire Issue (April 23, 2016)
SIUSLAW NEWS ❚ SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 2016 3 B Motorists reminded to share road with cyclists There are many bicycles on today’s roads. More people are using bicycles as a means to commute for entertainment and for exercise. Some of the more common reasons include low cost to operate, reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, and exercise. Motorists should remember these tips when sharing the road with a cyclist: A bicycle is considered by law to be a vehicle. When a cyclist has stopped and remains astride their bicycle at an inter- section and/or for a traffic sig- nal, they are to be treated as a vehicle waiting for their turn to proceed. Many children riding bicy- cles on the street may lack the necessary training and skills for safe cycling. They may not be aware of all dangers. Be alert for small children on oversized bicycles. This may increase the likelihood for loss of control. When passing a cyclist, go around them like you would any other vehicle. Leave lots of room. When you are preparing to make a right turn, watch for cyclists who may pull up alongside your vehicle. Remember to shoulder- check your blind spots. When you are about to make a right turn, do not pull up beside a cyclist and then turn directly in front of them and cut them off. When pulling away from the curb, always check for cyclists who may be trying to pass you. When parked at the curb, always check for cyclists before you open your vehicle door. It’s the driver’s responsi- bility not to open the vehicle door into traffic. Do not follow too close behind cyclists. They do not have brake lights to warn you when they are stopping. Cyclists are entitled to make left turns in the same manner as motorists. Since they are more exposed to traffic on left turns, they will need extra consideration, especially on multi-lane roads. Cyclists are required to ride as close as practicable to the curb, however they may need to ride further out when they have to steer away from drainage grates, pot holes, debris, loose gravel or sand, wet or slippery surfaces, rutted or grooved pavement and even dogs. Be aware of the roadway conditions that may affect a cyclist. Do not sound your horn unnecessarily when you are overtaking a cyclist. It may startle them and cause them to lose control. If you feel that you must use your horn, tap it quickly and lightly while you are still some distance away from the cyclist. Cyclists should also remem- ber that, when they are riding their bicycles on streets and highways, they are considered by law to be a vehicle. Therefore they are required to obey all the rules of the road, which apply to other (motor- ized) vehicles, plus those that apply only to bicycle operators. Cyclists using the streets and highways should: Never ride against traffic. It is one of the leading causes of crashes, accounting for 15 percent to 20 percent of all crashes with cars. Keep both hands on the handlebars except when mak- ing a hand signal. Keep both feet on the ped- als. Not carry more people at one time than the bicycle was designed for. Not hold onto, attach them- selves, or attach the bicycle to any other moving vehicle. Only ride side by side on the road with another cyclist when it does not impede other traffic. If traffic doesn't have enough room to pass you safe- ly, ride single file. Ensure the bicycle is equipped with at least one white light to the front and a red light and or red reflector mounted on the rear of the bicycle when riding between sunset and sunrise. Ensure the bicycle has effective brakes. For more information and tips, visit www.lincolncounty sheriff.net —Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office Remember: Wildfire knows no season, says ODF May is Oregon Wildfire Awareness Month. Oregon experiences its heaviest wild- fire activity during the summer, but fires occur all seasons of the year including spring. During May, federal, state, tribal and local fire agencies will be spreading the word about wildfire prevention and the steps Oregonians can take to stop most fires before they start. When it comes to preventing wildfires, there’s a lot at stake: lives, personal property and the many values provided by Oregon’s forests and range- lands. During the 2015 wildfire season, about 1.6 million acres were consumed by wildfire across the Pacific Northwest, including 630,000 acres in Oregon. Some 675 structures were lost — many of them perma- nent residences. And tragically, three firefighters were killed. Key wildlife habitats, including those of the belea- guered greater sage grouse, went up in smoke. In Oregon alone, some 850 human-caused fires ravaged the landscape. And on just the forest and rangelands protected by the Oregon Department of Forestry, these “people” fires burned nearly 87,000 acres. But wildfire prevention edu- cators are not pointing fingers. In the extreme weather condi- tions of last summer nearly any fire start, whether human or lightning caused, had potential to spread into a raging wildfire. Wildfires that occur in the wildland-urban interface often are started by human activity and then spread to the forest. Once underway a fire fol- lows the fuel, whether it is trees or houses. Fortunately, this grave threat to lives and prop- erty can be dramatically reduced. “Simple prevention strate- gies will make the strongest impact on your home, family and community safety,” said Kristin Babbs, president of the Keep Oregon Green Association. Spring is the perfect time, she said, to remove dead, flam- mable vegetation and limb up trees around the yard. “When clearing brush and vegetation from around the home, property owners should also keep in mind the access needed by larger fire trucks,” said State Fire Marshal Jim Walker. “Long driveways should be at least 12 feet wide, have 10 feet of vegetation clearance from the centerline to the edge of the driveway, and about 14 feet of overhead clear- ance. “Having an adequate turn- around area is critical for fire- fighters.” To get an early start on Wildfire Awareness Month, join neighbors in reducing your community’s wildfire risk by taking part in National Wildfire Community Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 7. The National Fire Protection Association has teamed up with State Farm Insurance to encourage residents to commit a couple of hours, or the entire day, to help raise wildfire awareness and work together on projects that can help pro- tect homes and entire commu- nities from the threat of fire. Watershed to offer summer camps See Jim for your auto sales needs! 2150 Hwy. 101 • Florence (541) 997-3475 • 1-800-348-3475 The Siuslaw Watershed Council has announced it will again offer summer camps for students entering fourth grade through high school. These camps are the perfect way to get the most out of summer. Come be a part of exploring the Siuslaw watershed’s many rivers, streams and lakes. Camp dates are: Introductory Camp: June 27-30, for students entering grades 4-6 Intermediate Camp: July 11-14, for students entering grades 6-8 Advanced Camp: July 18- 22, for students entering grades 8-12 with previous watershed experience During the camps, attendees travel throughout the Siuslaw watershed learning about plants, animals, water and land. The camps focus on the restoration work that is being done to keep the watershed healthy. Campers will get a chance to make a difference by doing hands-on restoration work, as well as canoeing, kayaking, snorkelling, hiking and more. Introductory and intermedi- ate camps are day camps. Advanced camp includes one overnight camping trip. Each camp is $75 for the whole session and scholarships are available. Registration packets are available at www.siuslaw.org/ camps, call the SWC office at 541-268-3044 to request a packet or email camp@sius- law.org. Siuslaw Watershed Camps are made possible with funding from OWEB, WCLF, in part- nership with Siuslaw School District, and through private donations. ...need a friend? Volunteers needed for DC triathlon Meet Randal Dunes City is busily plan- ning its fourth annual Oregon Dunes Triathlon and Duathlon on Saturday, May 7. The city’s signature event is Hey what’s up? I am Randal a very curious fellow. I will tell you right off I had an eye injury after I was born, not that it slows me down any. If I do not see you coming, I can be a little jumpy. Other than that I am good to go and full of fun. I am really good natured and do not start fi ghts, and “ah gosh” I like it when they love on me. They tell me I am handsome all the time so they must be right! Take me home I am a fantastic feline. If you would like to meet Randal any of his friends, please visit us at: FLORENCE HUMANE SOCIETY 2840 Rhododendron Drive • Florence • 541-997-4277 www.fl orencehumane.org This message brought to you by: Siuslaw News + Fri. 4/22-Sat 4/23 10am-4pm 86244 Xylo St. From Florence take hwy 126, turn left on Xylo (just before the Casino turnoff) at top of hill keep right, last house on Xylo. No Early birds! Out of Business Sale. Huge Craft supply, wed- ding supply sale. All new supplies include: large and small rolls of satin, organza, raffia, burlap, and grosgrain ribbon. 6in wide rolls of tulle - many colors. Hundreds of organza bags, muslin bags and paper flowers. Shipping supplies including boxes, padded en- velopes, labels, bamboo bath gift sets, gift boxes, and jewelry boxes. Cello bags, flat, gusseted, and lip and tape self sealing bags, many sizes. Apothecary jars and tin containers. Scrapbooking paper, frame ready watercolor pictures. Readymade new items such as soaps, stuffed animals, pacifier suspenders, wool dryer balls, and taggy toys. Plus some household items small appliances and Christ- mas decorations. Many items not marked. Make an offer Sat Only, 4/23 9am-3pm 269 Ivy St household items, fishing, tools, hardware yard art kitchen items. www.shoppelocal.biz just a couple of weeks away, and organizers are seeking vol- unteers to help staff the event. Volunteers provide invalu- able assistance to ensure that the races and venues run smoothly and safely. Volunteers also play a vital support role for all of the par- ticipating athletes by providing encouragement and hospitali- ty; many athletes have returned to the Tri/Du each year because they appreciate the event’s enthusiastic volunteers. The commitment is for half a day and all volunteers will receive a free T-shirt. Volunteers are needed between about 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on race day, Saturday, May 7. Anyone with a few hours to spare who wants to be part of this fun and exciting event can call Dunes City Hall at 541- 997-3338 to register as a vol- unteer. Siuslaw News FREE garage sale signs 541-997-3441 with your ad S IUSLAW N EWS www.shoppelocal.biz
