Biking is a great way to get exercise, save money on gas, and help the environment. But before you hit the open road on your two-wheeled steed, it’s important to make sure you know how to do so safely. In this blog post, we will provide some tips on how to stay safe while riding your bike. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced cyclist, read on for riding a bike safety tips that could save your life!
1. There are bicycle accident attorneys
Bike accidents can happen even if you are the safest rider on the road. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bike accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Bicycle accident attorneys can help you get the money you deserve. Also, if you have lost a loved one in a bike accident, this attorney can help you get justice.
As Pocrass & De Los Reyes professionals note, if you’ve been seriously injured in a bike accident, or if your loved one was killed, don’t try to deal with the insurance company on your own. The insurance adjuster isn’t looking out for your best interests. You need an experienced advocate on your side—someone who knows how to get results.
We all hope that accidents won’t happen, but unfortunately, they do. My friends’ daughter was injured while roller blading near her home. Unfortunately, their insurance company refused to pay for her extensive treatment (including surgery and physio) until my friends got a lawyer involved. Don’t let fear of an accident keep you from riding, but do be aware of your rights in case of an accident.
2. Check your blind spots
It’s important to be aware of your blind spots when riding your bike. Just like when you are driving a car, there are areas around your bike that you cannot see. Before changing lanes or making a turn, always check for traffic in your blind spot. This will help you avoid an accident. There are several ways to do this, including using a handlebar mirror or turning your head to look over your shoulder. Sometimes, it may be helpful to use both methods.
3. Wear bright clothing
Wearing bright clothing is one of the best ways to stay safe on your bike. When drivers can see you, they are more likely to yield and give you the right of way. Reflective gear is also helpful in low-light conditions or at night. You can find reflective gear at most sporting goods stores. If you ride often, it may be worth investing in some high-visibility gear. This will help make sure you are seen by drivers, no matter what time of day it is.
It’s also important to wear the right shoes when riding your bike. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals, as they can get caught in the pedals and cause you to lose control of your bike.
4. Wear a helmet
This may seem obvious to some of us cyclists, but I still see both adults and kids on bikes without helmets. It makes me shudder. In some places, helmets are required by law (so check the regulations in your area). In other places, they should be. A helmet is your best defense in case of an accident as it protects your head.
However, you also need to ensure that you are wearing your helmet properly. If your helmet is not buckled or is pushed far back on your forehead, it will not protect your head in case of an accident. (Many helmets are also bright and have reflective strips on them to help with visibility too.)
5. Ride defensively
When riding your bike, always be prepared for the worst. Assume that drivers cannot see you and ride accordingly. This means being extra cautious at intersections and yielding to traffic when appropriate. It’s also important to signal your intentions to other cyclists and pedestrians. I always remind my kids that we are vehicles when we are riding our bikes and we need to act like that. Boldly take the lane in the road when it is safe to do so and use big arm signals to indicate when you are stopping or turning.
By riding defensively, you can help reduce the risk of an accident. While it may not be possible to avoid all accidents, being prepared can help you stay safe on the road. It can also help you avoid serious injuries if an accident does occur.
6. Use proper lighting
If you are riding your bike at night or in low-light conditions, it’s important to use proper lighting. You should have a white light on the front of your bike and a red light on the back. These lights will help make you more visible to other cyclists and motorists.
You may also want to consider using reflective tape or decals on your bike. These can help make you more visible, even in well-lit areas. When choosing lights for your bike, it’s important to find ones that are bright enough to be seen during the day. You should also choose lights that are durable and weather-resistant.
7. Follow the rules of the road
When riding your bike, you should always follow the rules of the road. This means obeying traffic signs and signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the direction of traffic. By following the rules of the road, you can help reduce the risk of an accident.
It’s also important to be predictable when riding your bike. This means riding in a straight line and using hand signals to indicate when you are turning. By being predictable, you can help make sure that other cyclists and motorists can see you.
8. Take a Bike Course
If you are unsure about the rules of the road or how to ride on a road, take a bike course. There are numerous bike courses available for kids, teens and adults. These courses may help you learn new skills and gain confidence on your bike or just refresh your memory of local rules for cyclists. You may also meet new friends who enjoy cycling together.
As we saw, there are several important safety tips to keep in mind when riding a bike. By following these tips, you can help reduce the risk of an accident. However, even if you take all of the necessary precautions, accidents can still happen. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bike accident, it’s important to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Good luck!
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