As a person who routinely exercises outdoors, I've become accustomed to sharing the road with vehicles, bicycles and the like.

That's because for the better part of a dozen years, I have been jogging and power walking at the same location in East Penn Township.Recently, while taking my usual 4-mile sojourn along Riverview Road, I observed several signs being installed along the roadway.The words on the signs say "Share the road," and depicts a drawing of a bicycle on the top of the sign.As part of the D & L Trail Carbon County Connectivity Project, the "Share the road" signs are to be installed from the Route 895 pedestrian crossing to the D & L East Penn Boat Launch Trailhead along Riverview Road.To be frank, I couldn't think of a more appropriate way to get that message across.Over the years, there has been a sharp increase in not only the volume of traffic, but also the number of bicyclists and runners/walkers who use the road as well.As you may have read in our newspaper, the location was the site of a recent incident in which a 30-year-old Lehighton pedestrian was struck by a vehicle while walking along Riverview Road.The man suffered minor injuries after a car traveling south swerved slightly off the roadway and struck him with the passenger side rearview mirror on Sept. 21.The incident happened after 7:30 in the evening when visibility for both the driver, and the pedestrian, was most assuredly an issue.Though I'm fortunate that I've never been struck by a vehicle while exercising there, I can see where such a scenario could unfold.Ever cognizant of my surroundings, I make it a point to walk on the left side, facing traffic.My thinking has always been that I would rather see what's coming ahead of me so that I can react accordingly and change direction.According to the National Center for Safe Routes to School, I have been making the right choice.When walking on the road, they advise to walk on the left side, facing traffic, as this presents opportunities to establish eye contact with approaching motorists and make quick judgments to protect oneself.During instances where traffic approaches on both sides, I simply get off the road and continue moving ahead.Because when push comes to shove, the few seconds that I may lose time-wise are insignificant when compared to that of my safety.So, the next time you're out exercising along any roadway, remember the single most important message of all.Share the road.