Staying Safe While Bike Riding
Bicycling is a healthy, economical, and clean mode of transportation. Because of its various benefits, bicycling is now more popular than ever. However, the increased use of bicycles means more risk of serious injuries. According to statistics, about 2% of car crash deaths each year involve bicyclists. Since bicyclists share the road with vehicles and other large traffic, they face a number of hazards. That’s why staying safe while bike riding is extremely important. To ensure safety, here are some guidelines you should follow:
Ride a Bike That Fits You
Choosing a suitable bike is one of the most important steps for bicycle safety. Never attempt to ride a bike that’s not the right fit for you. Not only will it be uncomfortable but it can also be dangerous. Use a bike size chart to make sure that your bike is a suitable fit for your height. You should feel balanced on it and your feet should touch the ground when you are on the seat. Sporting goods retailers and bike shops can help choose the right bike for you. So, don’t hesitate to consult with them.
Wear a Helmet
Head injuries are the most serious injuries in a majority of bicyclist deaths. That’s why it is extremely important to wear a good quality bicycle helmet. Even if you are only going out for a short ride, you should still wear a helmet to minimize the risk of a serious injury. When buying a helmet, make sure to choose the one that’s comfortable to wear and fits properly.
Follow the Rules of the Road
There are certain rules and guidelines you should follow when you ride a bike. For instance, you should ride with the flow of traffic and follow the street signs, road markings, etc., just like driving a car. Don’t bike on the sidewalk. Bike in the road and stay in designated bike lanes if they are available. It is also important to signal during stops and before turning. Always make your intentions clear so the other road users know what you are going to do.
Be Focused and Alert
Bike safety starts with awareness. So, practice defensive driving. Look ahead for potholes and puddles, drain covers, rough surfaces, vehicles parked in the lane, etc. Pay close attention to your surroundings even if you are riding a bike in a secluded or rural area. This will help you prepare for traffic lights, roundabouts, junctions, etc. and anticipate potential hazards. Last but not least, don’t distract yourself with phone calls or headphones and always assume that other road users don’t see you.
Make Yourself Visible When Riding
Bicyclists are legally required to have working lights on both the back and front of their bikes. Lights and reflectors are critical safety components for biking. While it is necessary to use lights in the dark, you should also use them in the daytime if visibility is poor. Apart from this, it would also be a good idea to wear specially designed bike clothing that has reflective patterns.
Hilton & Somer, LLC: Bicycle Accidents Lawyer serving Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C.
Despite all of these safety measures, a bicycle accident may still happen. All it takes is one misstep on the part of a bicyclist or a driver. The aftermath of such a bicycle accident is often devastating. If you need legal representation after a bike-riding accident, contact Hilton & Somer, LLC. Our expert bicycle accident attorneys will give you a free consultation and inform you of your legal rights. Get in touch with us today (703) 560-0700.
References
https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists
