Some people get a bike when they are young and fall in love immediately. There are also plenty of adults who never learn how to ride a bike until they are old enough to vote. Bicycles are affordable forms of convenient transportation and also an excellent way to get exercise, and there are many reasons for adults, as well as children, to utilize them.
Unfortunately, when a bicycle crash occurs, a cyclist might end up going to the hospital. Collisions between motor vehicles and bicycles can lead to catastrophic injury and death. Thankfully, there are a few simple ways for cyclists to reduce their risk of getting into a serious crash with a motor vehicle.
Follow traffic safety laws
Cyclists are bound by traffic laws just like those in motor vehicles. They need to ride on the right side of the road, obey all signage and indicate when they intend to turn or stop. Cyclists who follow traffic safety laws are less likely to end up hurt in a crash and also less likely to be responsible for a crash if one occurs.
Avoid alcohol
Many people don’t realize that a bike is a vehicle and that it is technically illegal to bike while drunk just like it is illegal to drive while drunk. Quite a few cycling collisions occur when someone has had too much to drink and may not stay fully aware of their surroundings.
Prioritize visibility
One of the top reasons people give for causing a crash with a cyclist is that they didn’t see the bicycle or its rider in traffic. Lights, fluorescent-colored clothing and reflective gear are always to draw the attention of motorists who might not notice a cyclist in traffic.
Practice defensive cycling
One of the best ways to reduce the risk of a crash is to not put one safety in the hands of others. Cyclists who watch extra carefully and pause at intersections can potentially avoid collisions that would be caused by those who make unsafe and hard-to-predict decisions in traffic.
When a cyclist does get hurt in a crash, they may have the option of filing a claim against the driver’s car insurance or even pursuing a personal injury lawsuit in court. Taking steps to minimize one’s risk of a bicycle crash could potentially save the life of anyone who bikes in public spaces.