Bicycling is a fun and healthy way to travel. In Carver County, roads and trails offer people many options for riding a bike. You can bike for exercise or use it to get to work, school, recreation, or shopping. Bicycling helps you stay active, and it also helps they environment by reducing air and noise pollution and cutting down on traffic in the county.

Biking Safety

Both cyclists and drivers should follow safe bicycling and driving practices. Knowing the rules of the road helps keep both riders and drivers safe. Minnesota’s bicycle laws explain how everyone should share streets and paths, which helps prevent crashes and makes riding more enjoyable.

• Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota
• Move Minnesota
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center
• People for Bikes Coalition

Physical activity doesn't have to feel like work. Playing sports or spending time being active with your kids are great ways to exercise. Look for simple ways to add play to your daily routine. Here are some ideas to get you started.

• Plan family outings and vacations that include physical activity, such as hiking, backpacking, or swimming
• Dance with others or by yourself. Take a dance class or choose fast-paced songs when you hit the dance floor.
• Join a recreational club that focuses on physical activity.
• At the beach, sit up and watch the waves instead of lying down. Even better, get up and walk, run, or fly a kite.
• When golfing, walk the course instead of using a cart.
• At a picnic or barbecue, play games like badminton or volleyball.

Unlike many sports, running can be done almost anywhere and requires very little equipment. From city sidewalks to rural trails, there are many places in Carver County for runners to enjoy.

Running Safety

Before you lace up your sneakers, keep these important safety tips in mind:

• Use sidewalks
  Always use the sidewalk when one is available. If there are no sidewalks and you must run on the road, run facing traffic.
• Dress to be seen
  Wear bright colors or reflective clothing so drivers can see you more easily.
• Cross at marked crosswalks or intersections
  Stop and look left, right, and then left again before entering the street. Always follow traffic signals.
• Be alert for turning vehicles
  Drivers may be focused on other cars when turning and might not see pedestrians.
• Vary your route
  Don't use the same route at the same time every day. Changing your routine is safer and keeps your runs more interesting. 
• Find a running buddy
  There is safety in numbers. If you run alone, tell someone your route and what time you expect to return.
• Carry an ID
  Always carry some form of identification in case of an accident or emergency.

Whether you are swimming laps, playing water games, or taking lessons, swimming can be a fun and challenging activity. Even if you are not a competitive swimmer, you can still stay active at the beach or pool. What matters most is that you are moving in the water. Carver County beaches and pools are great places to spend time with friends and family.

Swimming Safety

Provide effective supervision

• Keep your eyes on children in the pool and pool area at all times.
• Never leave a child alone near water.
• During social gatherings, designate an adult to supervise any in-water activity.
• If a child is missing, check the water first.
• Consider becoming certified in CPR so you can help in an emergency.

Healthy swimming

Recreational water illnesses (RWIs) are illnesses you can get from swallowing, breathing, or coming into contact with contaminated water in pools, water parks, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, or oceans.

Follow these steps for a healthy swimming experience:

• Do not swim when you have diarrhea. Germs can be spread in the water and make other people sick.
• Do not swallow pool, lake, or river water, and avoid getting water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene, including showering with soap before and after swimming.
• Wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers.
• Take children on bathroom breaks and change their diapers often.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or in a designated changing area—not at poolside or on the beach.
• Avoid swimming or putting your head underwater in warm, stagnant water during hot weather or when water levels are low. 

Walking is an easy and enjoyable way to stay active. With a little creativity and planning, even people with busy schedules can find ways to add more walking into their day.

Tips for adding more walking into your daily routine:

• Park your car farther away from your destination.
• When shopping, walk around the store a few extra times.
• If you use public transportation, get off a stop or two early.
• Take the stairs instead of using the elevator or escalator.
• Keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes in your car or at work so you're ready to be active anytime. 
• At work, use a restroom on another floor or farther away.
• Choose walking meetings when possible. Walk indoors or, if the weather is nice, go outside.

Walking Safety

Before you start walking, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available. If there is no sidewalk, walk on the side of the road facing traffic.
• Wear bright or reflective clothing so drivers can see you more easily.
• Cross streets at marked crosswalks or intersections. Stop and look left, right, and left again before crossing. Follow all traffic signals.
• Watch for cars that are turning. Drivers may be focused on other traffic and not see you.
• Change your walking route from time to time. This helps keep you safer and makes your walks more interesting.
• Walk with a buddy if you can. If you walk alone, tell someone where you're going and when you expect to be back.
• Carry some form of ID in case of an emergency.

More Information

• America Walks
• America's Walking
• National Coalition for Promoting Physical Activity
• Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center