Safety Tips for Cyclists
Do you ride your bike to work? Is it your primary means of transportation when going around town? Or do you simply use it for exercise? Regardless of your use, it is crucial to learn and understand bike safety. By knowing the precautions, you can reduce the risk of experiencing a bicycle accident and/or suffer injuries.
Admittedly bicycle safety isn’t entirely confined to the control of the cyclist. Motorists who share the road with bike riders also have the responsibility to observe proper behavior, respect, and courtesy to fellow road users, including cyclists.
All automobile drivers should be alert and be mindful for the safety of cyclists. Failure to recognize the cyclist’s rights to share the roads and traverse safely may result in injuries to the latter. A cyclist’s injuries could mean liability on the part of the driver who caused them.
So what does this mean to an everyday cyclist? As the injured party, he or she may seek compensation for damages against the erring driver.
If you or your loved one has sustained injuries in a bicycle accident, our highly experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options for seeking compensation.
In the meantime, the best way to ensure your safety while using your bicycle on the roads is to be alert for any potential danger. Here are simple tips to safe cycling.
Wear a Helmet
Did you know the risk of fatality in bicycle accidents in significantly reduced by wearing a helmet? So always wear one. But make sure you get a helmet that comfortably fits your head.
Choose a Bike That Matches Your Physique
Just like your helmet, pick a bike that fits you properly. So what’s the measuring stick to determine if your bike fits you?
If you’re standing over it, there should be one or two inches between you and its top bar; three or four inches if what you have is a mountain bike. When adjusting the height of the bike seat, make it so that your knee can still bend slightly while the other leg is full extended.
Check the Brakes and Tires
This is crucial especially when you’re going on a long ride or head off-roads. Always make sure the brakes work properly. You don’t want to crash onto the back of a vehicle or go straight down the intersection at a stoplight. Ensure that your bike decelerates or stops when you want it to.
Another important thing to check are the tires. Do they have the right pressure and inflation? A flat tire can be dangerous, not to mention very inconvenient.
Wear Reflective Clothing
Some drivers may have difficulty spotting bikers on the road. To catch their eye, you need brightly colored or reflective clothing, which allows them to see you easily. This safety tip is particularly applicable during nighttime rides.
Bring a Backpack for Your Stuff
Never put your stuff on one side of the handlebars. Some people tend to put their bags on one side, causing an imbalance of weight. This is potentially dangerous. Instead, put your stuff inside a backpack or in a carrier, which ensures the weight is centered and not only on one side.
Be Alert of Road Hazards
Other road hazards may include puddles and potholes, stray animals, and debris that may puncture the tires.
