Cycle Security: Essential Safety Tips To Avoid A Bicycle Accident
Family bike rides are a great way to get exercise and bond. They can be a ton of fun or quickly devolve into tears and tantrums. Riding a bike is a fun and healthy way to get around, but it can also be dangerous if you don’t follow some basic safety tips. Bike accidents are all too common and can be pretty severe in certain cases. This is why it's important to learn about cycling safety and take the necessary precautions to avoid serious injury.
Always Wear A Helmet
There is no question that wearing a helmet when cycling is important. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost all bicycle fatalities are the result of head injuries. Wearing a helmet can help prevent those injuries.
It's been proven that helmets can reduce the risk of head injuries by up to 90%. So, if you're going to ride a bike, make sure you wear one.
Make sure Your Bike Is Fit For Cycling
When you buy your bike, make sure it is properly fit for cycling. Bikes that are not fit for cycling can be dangerous and can cause you a lot of trouble on the road. Make sure your bike has the right wheel size and frame type, as well as the right gears.
Check Your Bike For Safety Hazards
Even if your bike is properly fit for cycling, there may still be safety hazards lurking on it. Make sure to check your bike for broken lights, horns, mirrors, and other equipment. If there are any safety hazards on your bike, take care of them before you ride.
Follow The Rules Of The Road
Just because you're riding a bike doesn't mean you get to ignore the traffic laws. Always obey all traffic signs and signals, and stay clear of parked cars and obstacles on the road. If someone does try to stop or pass on the right while you're riding a bike, don't hesitate to use your bell or horn to warn them off.
Most streets have bike lanes that you can use when traffic is heavy. When cycling in a lane, make sure you are riding as close to the right side of the street as possible.
If you're ever involved in an accident while cycling, be sure to get in touch with a bicycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you determine whether you are at fault, and can give you advice on filing a claim or seeking compensation.
Wear Reflective Clothing
One of the most important pieces of safety equipment you can wear when cycling is reflective clothing. Reflective materials help other drivers see you at night and in poor weather conditions. When riding at night, always wear a bright light on your bike and make sure to keep your headlight clean and shining brightly.
Stay Alert
A cyclist's biggest danger is not other drivers, but getting run over by a distracted driver. Make sure you wear a helmet, ride with a friend or family member, and keep your eyes open for cars and pedestrians. Always use your bell or horn to warn motorists when you're approaching from behind.
Never Ride Tired Or Distracted
Riding a bike can be a great way to get exercise and enjoy the scenery. However, it is important to remember that riding a bike is an outdoor activity and should be done responsibly. If you are ever involved in a bicycle accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. Here are some tips for avoiding bicycle accidents:
Never ride tired or distracted. When you're riding your bike, make sure to take regular breaks so that you can rest your eyes and hands. If you're worried about getting lost, invest in a GPS cycling map or mountaineering GPS unit so that you can stay on track.
If you do get into an accident, be careful not to hit anyone with your bike. Get off of your bike as quickly as possible and speak with the other person involved in the accident to see what happened. Try not to get angry; instead, calmly discuss the situation with the other person before deciding what steps need to be taken next.
Avoid Riding Late At Night Or Early In The Morning
Riding a bike at night or early in the morning can be dangerous. Even if you're riding on a well-lit road, there's still a chance of getting hit by a car. You're also more likely to get hurt if you're riding a bike in bad weather since you won't have control over the conditions. If you're in an accident, make sure to contact an attorney.
These are just a few tips to help you stay safe when cycling. If you ever find yourself in a bicycle accident, please don't hesitate to seek help.
