Riding a bicycle is a great way to get exercise, reduce environmental impact, and enjoy the outdoors. However, sharing the road with motor vehicles and navigating obstacles can lead to accidents if proper precautions are not taken. Implementing some key bicycle safety measures can help avoid collisions and falls.
Be Visible
One of the most important aspects of bicycle safety is making yourself visible to drivers. Wear brightly colored clothing to stand out. Use flashing lights and reflectors – white lights on the front and red rear reflectors are legally required in most places. Attach spoke reflectors to your wheels as well. In low light conditions, avoid dark clothing and make sure your lights are working properly. Reflective gear and lights help drivers see you from further away, giving them more time to react.
Maintain Awareness
Always pay close attention to your surroundings when cycling. Use your eyes and ears to monitor for upcoming cars, particularly at intersections. Glance back frequently and listen for approaching vehicles. Avoid distractions like phones or headphones that take your attention off the road.
Keep both hands ready on the handlebars to brake at any moment. Scan ahead not just for vehicles, but also potential road hazards like potholes, storm drains, debris, or uneven pavement. Staying alert helps you see threats early so you can respond in time.
Signal and Obey Traffic Laws
Use hand signals when turning to indicate your intended path to motorists. Come to complete stops at stop signs and red lights. Ride in the same direction as traffic and as far to the right as is practicable.
Obeying the rules of the road like a car makes your movements more predictable to drivers. Use discretion when coming to stop signs and red lights – if traffic is clear, Idaho stops or slow rolls through are sometimes safer to avoid falling over at a standstill. But if you encounter an accident even while obeying the rules, you should go ahead and submit a pedestrian accident lawsuit with the help of The Weinstein Law Group, PLLC.
Claim Your Space
While hugging the curb seems safer, it can tempt cars to squeeze by when lanes are too narrow. Take the central portion of the lane whenever vehicles would struggle to give 3 feet of passing distance. This forces them to change lanes fully to pass you, preventing dangerous close calls. But pull right and wave cars past when it’s reasonable to let them by in your area. Balance assertiveness with courtesy.
Use Protected Infrastructure
Plan routes using bike lanes, off-road trails, and cycle tracks whenever possible. Seek side streets over busy thoroughfares. These provide physical separation from traffic and are much safer options. Check municipal maps for dedicated bike infrastructure to link together a protected route. Avoid riding on sidewalks – stay on roads where cars anticipate cyclists.
Use Caution With Parked Cars
Parked vehicles present a hazard, as doors can open or cars pull out suddenly. Give yourself ample space from parked cars – at least 5 feet. Scan for drivers in the front seat, brake lights, exhaust, and front wheel orientation to anticipate which might pull out. Slow down and pass with vigilance. Glance back for opening doors as you ride by.
Prepare for Conditions
Various weather and light conditions also impact bicycle safety. Use extra caution riding at night or in low visibility. Ensure you have adequate front and rear lighting. Slow speeds, increasing visibility measures, and high attentiveness are key. In wet weather, reduce speed, allow greater stopping distance, and take turns slowly. Watch for slippery surfaces like metal drain covers, wood surfaces, road paint, and railroad tracks – cross these at 90 degrees to avoid losing traction.
Final Words
Staying visible, maintaining awareness, obeying traffic laws, and riding defensively allows you to better anticipate and react to hazards as a cyclist. Seeking protected infrastructure and wearing safety gear also prevents many accident scenarios. Implementing these bicycle safety measures helps ensure every ride is enjoyable and free of collisions.
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