Riding a bicycle can be a treacherous proposition. Drivers are worried about getting somewhere as fast as possible, talking kids in the back seat, texting and other distracting behaviors. While no safety measure is foolproof, following these six tips in the city will greatly lessen the chance of an accident.
Pay Attention to Clothing
While this might seem obvious, there are still plenty of riders that hit the streets wearing dull gray during the day and black at night. Choosing bright, contrasting colors helps drivers notice a biker far better than ordinary clothes.
Use Flashing Lights
Wearing flashing lights on a helmet or putting them on the front and back of a bike is probably one of the best ways to avoid getting hit. For night riding, flashing white is a good choice, and flashing red works for both day and night.
Follow the Traffic Laws
Bicyclers are not pedestrians. They don’t get to ride through red lights and stop signs just because they’re not in a car. Ignoring traffic laws is a surefire way to make drivers angry and increase the risk of accidents.
Keep Bikes Updated
It’s a bad idea to head out for a ride on a bike in need of maintenance. That squeaky chain could go, or those loose handlebars might cause an unintended swerve into traffic. Keep bikes in good shape and be prepared for any problems. Carry a phone with you or know where bike repair shops are on your cycling route.
Stay Clear Everyone
On hot days, sweat can impede vision. In the winter, fogging of glasses can be a problem. A high quality, non-fogging pair of goggles is a good idea to help a rider see clearly. And though they might not look cool when wearing a biking helmet, an old-fashioned headband never hurt.
Pay Attention to Surroundings
While it might be tempting to tuck the head, lean forward, and push hard, this is a recipe for disaster. Don’t expect everybody else to be watching for bikers with tunnel vision sprinting through the streets. Know where other cars are, where they’re going, and make sure to keep a safe distance.
It can be scary to ride in bustling city streets, but it doesn’t have to become hazardous to one’s health. However, accidents can still happen, even to no fault of your own. It’s important to talk to a good lawyer like those at The Johnston Law Firm, LLC should an accident occur. Using basic safety considerations and preparing for a ride ahead of time may not just make the ride more enjoyable, it might just be a lifesaver.
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