The Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau would like to remind local residents that the spring bicycling, motorcycle riding and running season has begun.

With several events sponsored by local groups in the weeks ahead, bicyclists, motorcyclists and runners will be making their way to Fredericksburg and Gillespie County. We would encourage local residents and visitors to be extra alert on our streets in town as well as the narrow county roads.

The staff of the Hill Country Memorial Wellness Center stages the Fredericksburg Wildflower 5K/10K Run and Walk on Saturday, April 24, while the Optimist Club of Fredericksburg will conduct the 25th Annual Hill Country Run Motorcycle Rally in Luckenbach Texas from April 29 through May 2.

We know all event organizers stress safety and obeying the rules of the road to all of their participants. However, we also know that occasionally, runners, bicyclists and motorcycle riders — as they soak up the scenic beauty of the Texas Hill Country in the spring — forget that they need to share the road with others.

And, of course, right now, thousands of motorists are out on our Hill Country roads in search of our famous Texas bluebonnets, which are somewhat elusive this year. Unfortunately, the show this year is not as glorious because there was not enough rainfall back in September, October and November for good seed germination.

And please be careful driving on U.S. 290 East between Fredericksburg and Stonewall — particularly on Saturdays any time of the year. As more and more businesses open on this stretch of road, traffic congestion continues to grow. It really is time for the Texas Department of Transportation to complete the turn lane all the way from Fredericksburg to Stonewall. We certainly appreciate the turn lane between Wildseed Farms and Jenschke Lane, which improved safety tremendously on this portion. Let’s finish the job, please.

On top of the visitors moving about the county, spring, of course, is when our farmers, ranchers, peach growers and vineyard workers utilize the roadways to move equipment from one location to another.

Do you know what an orange triangle on the back of a vehicle means? It means that the vehicle displaying such a sign is “slow moving” — whether a tractor, hay baler, shredder, grape harvester or construction equipment. Drivers, both visitors and local residents, should be alert to such equipment on our county roads. Be prepared to slow down and wait for appropriate center striping on the roadway to pass safely.

Please protect our farmers, ranchers, peach growers and vineyard workers who are laboring to bring food and drink to your table.

At the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau, we just like to remind everyone to be more alert and drive safely during this spring season.

Loeffler is the president and CEO of the Fredericksburg Convention and Visitor Bureau.