Bicycle accidents are common and can have devastating consequences. Knowing how to ride safely on your bike can help prevent severe accidents and injuries, especially if you plan to travel on roads.
Following the basic rules of bike safety will keep you and others around you safe!
Get road-ready
Before you start your first adventure, it is critical to make sure your bicycle is ready to hit the roads. If you are experienced, check your bike to confirm that it works properly and is the right size for you. If you are not experienced, visit your local bike shop to have someone check it out.
If you plan to be riding at night or at later times of the day, it is crucial to have a visible bike. The law requires you to have red lights on the back and white lights on the front of your bike. To better ensure safety, investing in some reflective clothing is always a good idea.
Wear the proper helmet
According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a helmet will prevent a head injury in a wreck 9 times out of 10. However, the helmet must fit you properly to do its job. It should be comfortable, but it should not be able to move from side to side. Also, make sure that the helmet is level and not tilted up or down.
Follow the rules of the road
Even though your bike is smaller than a car, you must follow the rules like everyone else. Always ride in the same direction as traffic, so you can see traffic signals clearly and can be seen easily by other drivers.
Additionally, be mindful of who has the right away on the road. It is important to give cars enough room to pass for everyone’s safety. If it is legal, sidewalks might be safer to ride on as long as you are giving pedestrians enough space to walk.
If you haven’t ridden on a bike in a while, it is a good idea to practice around a safe place before hitting the city roads. Practice looking behind you, using your brakes, and being comfortable.
Be aware
Lastly, make sure you are staying aware of your surroundings. While putting in some earbuds sounds like a good idea, it can be distracting and dangerous. Hearing the vehicles and pedestrians around you is critical!
Have you been injured in an accident?
If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, the Accident Injury Legal Center will evaluate your case and get you in contact with an attorney that can help. Legal representation is crucial when you are dealing with a personal injury claim.
Call the Accident Injury Legal Center at 1-866-255-4870 to get your case evaluated for free.
Resource
Woolston, C. (2022, July 4). Bicycle Safety (Adults). The Salamanca Press. Retrieved July 5, 2022, from https://www.salamancapress.com/health/bicycle-safety-adults/article_e21ef618-1949-519e-9905-b3923b186056.html