In the wake of a Marion hit-and-run earlier this month that left a woman seriously injured it became clear that motorists and pedestrians must share the road safely.

The woman, 40-year-old Paula McDarby of Wareham, is still recovering at Rhode Island Hospital and is in “satisfactory” condition, according to hospital staff. At the time of the accident she was walking two dogs. One was killed and the other was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment.

While we might not be able to control the actions of others, there are road rules that everyone should observe to stay safe in the tri-town this summer.

Bonne DeSousa, the president of the Friends of the Mattapoisett Bike Path and a South Coast Bikeway Alliance member, used to commute from Mattapoisett to New Bedford on her bicycle.

DeSousa says cyclists should know that legally they are treated as motorists.

“People need to recognize that they are considered vehicles when on their bicycle,” she said. “It is the law for them to follow all of the rules of the road.”

DeSousa says cyclists must obey stop signs and stop lights, yield to pedestrians, and ride with the flow of traffic.

DeSousa cautioned riders to be wary of   riding close to the road’s edge where loose gravel, sand, and uneven surfaces may cause riders to lose control and fall into traffic. She suggested riding at least 12 inches from the edge of the road. “Some people aren’t comfortable doing that, but in general motorists are aware of cyclists and will pass at a safe distance,” she said.

Cyclists may use sidewalks though riders must yield to pedestrians, she said. However, sidewalks carry their own dangers as curbs, mailboxes, and telephone poles create obstacles for riders.

With no breakdown lane and a high speed limit Route 6 is an obvious danger for  cyclists. Less obvious is the town’s bike trail where riders should be careful when crossing intersections at Mattapoisett Neck Road and Brandt Island Road.

DeSousa said she’s heard reports of riders not checking for cross traffic. More awareness and added safety measures may be required.

“We need educated cyclists who actually practice the rules of the road. You can’t solve everything with infrastructure,” she said. For more information on bicycling safely, visit www.sameroadssamerules.org or www.bikeed.org.

Jessica Cavaco said the rules are slightly different for runners, but like cyclists, constantly being aware is key.

Calvaco owns Body In Balance Muscular Therapy in Mattapoisett. This spring, she hosted “From the Couch to the Mattapoisett 5-Mile Race.” Through the training program she helped five new runners finish the July 4 race.

“I told my runners to trust their instincts and to know their surroundings,” she said.

Not using headphones, or at least keeping one ear open, is a good practice.

“Your ears may alert you to dangers your eyes may miss,” she said. Additionally, she recommends carrying a medical identification card. The cards should contain any allergies or medical conditions the runner has to inform first responders in an emergency. Wearing bright, reflective clothing makes it easier for drivers to see runners. Cavaco also says to run against the flow of traffic, on the left side of the road.

Lori Watkins, of Marion, echoed that advice. She has been running for about 30 years. A member of both the Greater New Bedford Track Club and Wareham’s Gateway Running Club, she said distracted drivers are a constant concern.

“Never assume someone sees you. It’s important to always be ready to act defensively when running,” she said. Recently, Watkins said she dodged one driver who had his eyes on his phone.

“He didn’t even lift his head up,” she said. “I think there’s a lack of awareness on how dangerous it is to text and drive.”

To minimize risk, Watkins said groups should always run in single file. In Marion, doing so on narrow, curvy streets such as Point Road and Converse Road is a necessity. Locals sometimes head out towards Rochester on Route 105 for a long distance run, Watkins said.

Rochester Police Chief Paul Magee said distracted drivers should be the number one concern for pedestrians and cyclists.

The town’s rural character is a draw for cyclists, he said. Magee said it is illegal to wear headphones while cycling. When riding at night a white light must be attached to the bike.  Helmets, thought not required for adults, are essential, Magee said.