Jason Koski/University Photography

Students on a Fall Creek Gorge hike cross the Suspension Bridge.

As the weather begins to warm, students, faculty and staff are spending more time outside, and Police Chief Kathy Zoner has issued reminders about biking, running, hiking and gorge safety.

A full set of resources for bikers and pedestrians, including Cornell and New York state regulations, can be found at the Cornell Bicycle and Pedestrian website. “Remember: Be safe, be predictable, be seen,” said Zoner. “Whether you are a biker or runner, please travel on the correct side of the roadway, heed the traffic signals and wear high-visibility reflective and fluorescent gear. Walkers and runners should face oncoming vehicular traffic. Cyclists should travel with traffic, in bike lanes where provided.”

A Cornell bike map is also available online.

The dangers as well as the beauty of the gorges increase with higher water levels. “Most gorge trails are presently open, except those under reconstruction,” Zoner said. “I urge trail users to enjoy the outdoors while using caution, not to wade into creeks, and remain on open trails, staying off of closed trails or other restricted areas.” Hikers should also watch for rock falls, as variances in air temperatures can increase the likelihood of these and create a hazard, Zoner said.

Information about hiking in the gorges can be found at: “The Gorges of Cornell: Trail Map and Safety Information” and at the Cornell Plantations’ Web page, Hikes on Campus.

Cornell guidelines for cyclists and in-line skaters

• Bicyclists, in-line skaters and skateboarders are allowed anywhere motor vehicle travel is permitted, staying as far right as practicable. The same rules of the road that apply to motorists apply to these modes of transportation.
• Travel in the street or on paths marked with white symbols, such as bike lanes. When you travel on a shared path (marked with yellow symbols), ride slowly, yielding right of way to pedestrians. If a sidewalk or path is marked with a red symbol, or not marked at all, you must dismount.
• A headlight and tail light are required by law when you are biking in darkness.
• Wear bright and/or reflective clothing day and night.
• It is illegal to wear headphones while traveling.
• Don’t weave in and out of traffic.
• The more predictably you ride, the safer you are.
• Look, signal and look again.
• Use hand signals to let drivers and other cyclists know where you’re going.
• Don’t listen to music, talk on the phone, text or be otherwise distracted while riding.