As the weather warms up more people, young and old, will be bicycling and walking on our trails. This might be a good time to take a look at our Pennsylvania laws regarding both. In Chapter 35, Section 3510 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes book, there is a law that requires all bicyclists age 12 and under to wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet every time they ride their bicycle. As a matter of fact, it is recommended that all bicyclists wear a safety helmet when riding a bicycle. Please note that a bicycle is considered a vehicle and therefore when riding on a roadway must be operated in the same direction as required of other vehicles on the roadway.

All bicyclists are required to use hand arm signals while on the road. Section 3507 mandates that bicyclists, who ride after dark, install reflective devices or lights on their bicycle. We know that pedestrians have the "right of way". But what are your responsibilities/duties regarding walking on our trails? Well, Section 3544 states that where a sidewalk is provided and its use is practicable, it is unlawful for any pedestrian to walk along and upon an adjacent roadway. Where a sidewalk is not available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk only on a shoulder as far as practicable from the edge of the roadway. Where neither a sidewalk nor a shoulder is available, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall walk as near as practicable to an outside edge of the roadway and, if on a two-way roadway, shall walk only on the left side of the roadway. Bottom-line, please follow these laws. They are for you and your family’s safety on the road. For us drivers, slow down when in the Valley. Watch out for the unexpected whether it comes to people walking, jogging or bicycling on our beautiful trails.

As summer approaches, we need to pay attention to the Smokey Bear Fire Danger sign in the Carroll Valley Commons that faces Fairfield Road (Route 116). Chief Bill Jacobs from the Fairfield Fire & EMS Company is the Fire Warden for our regional area. One of his responsibilities is to determine the fire danger level and post his decision on the Smokey Bear sign for the public to see. Base on the posted level, homeowners and builders may choose to postpone burning leaves or a debris pile. Are you aware of the Fire Danger Rating System?

If not, here is a short explanation of each fire level warning. Low means that fuels do not ignite easily from small embers. Fires in the open, dry grasslands may burn easily a few hours after a rain. Moderate means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it will burn and spread quickly on windy days. High means fires can start easily from most causes and small fuels (such as grasses and needles) will ignite readily. When the fire danger is Very High fires will start easily from most causes and will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity, right after ignition. Extreme means fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the "very high" level. These fires are very difficult to fight. The next time you pass by, notice the level and if you are planning to set a fire, remember what the level meant. Next month, we will review the open burning ordinance.

The Fairfield Area Historical Society held its "kickoff" program on Wednesday, April 20, with the program topic of "Schools of Fairfield Area’s Past." Approximately 100 people were in attendance. To join the Society, go to www.fairfieldareahistoricalsociety.org. To see the evening pictures, go to www.ronspictures.net or Facebook.com/MayorRonHarris.

The May Borough meetings are: Planning Commission (Monday – May 2nd); Borough Council (Tuesday – May 10th); and Parks & Recreation Committee (Wednesday – May 25th). The Borough Office will be closed on Monday, May 30th – Memorial Day. If you have any questions, contact me at MayorRonHarris@comcast.net or 301-606-2021.