Expert Tips for Biking Safely
It’s easy to understand why so many people enjoy cycling. Folk can be independent, admire the view, save money on travel, and even benefit from the environment. Sadly, that’s not the full picture. Road accidents are a universal reality, and cyclists are more vulnerable than motorists in this regard. Many become injured, and some sadly die.
Fortunately, there are a number of best practices that can be followed by cyclists, to put them in the safest place possible. When followed, they enable bikers to maximize their cycling experience. We will now take a look at these together.
Defer To Vehicles
A car driver may wish to turn in front of you, even if you have the right of way. It’s important to give in to them. If there was a collision, the cyclist would always lose. The CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention) says 500,000 cyclists are injured annually, plus one thousand wrongful deaths. Despite its excellent climate for cycling, California has the highest number of bike-related deaths. According to a bicycle accident attorney San Diego, many parties deny responsibility for cycle incidents. It frequently requires the assistance of a lawyer to obtain a fair compensation payout. The professionals understand that cyclists have the right to be compensated if the accident was not their fault.
Behave Like A Car
Obey the rules of the road and use the correct lanes, especially before junctions. Cycle in a straight line and never alternate between the road and the sidewalk. When indicating, use clear arm signals. Learn to check behind you without swerving, before you turn. The rest of the time, keep both hands on the handlebars.
Wear A Helmet
Even at 20mph, a cyclist can become brain-damaged or even be killed if they fall off their bike. A helmet can never provide 100% protection, but it will improve your chances. If the crash hat has become cracked, its efficiency will have become compromised. Replace it immediately. Once you have put it on, make sure it doesn’t shift more than 1cm when you move it.
Be Highly Visible
Buy a headlight and a tail light, and keep them on both night and day whilst cycling. Flashing lights are great for gaining motorists’ attention, and can provide extra protection on dark or cloudy days. Wear bright clothing, or better still a reflective fluorescent jacket. Even then, don’t assume other motorists can see you.
Don’t Wear Headphones
Of course, it’s fun listening to music while you cycle. The problem is, you need to hear the traffic. Anyone who persists in doing this should compromise by wearing only one earpiece rather than two. Alternatively, you can use both earbuds but keep the volume low.
Look Ahead And Behind
Constantly check the road in front of you. Are pedestrians about to cross the road? Is that car turning in your direction? If poorly maintained roads can cause car accidents, imagine how much more this applies to cyclists. Look out for potholes or low-hanging trees. Be wary of loose gravel, sand, or roads with no lighting.
It’s strongly advisable to purchase a rear-view mirror for your bike. One can either be put on the handlebars or be fitted to your cycle helmet. Never totally depend on them, however. Any car driver can confirm they do have blind spots. Use them, but still check before you turn or stop.
Choose The Safest Routes
In modern times, our pace of life can become very busy. It can therefore be a struggle to choose safer routes if they will take us longer. It’s important to prioritize our safety, however. Who knows: the alternative route may be more scenic! A biker will be safer if they choose routes that have designated cycle lanes, wide roads, or are in quieter areas.
Be Mindful Of The Weather
Check the reports before leaving home. Make sure you have adequate rainwear/clothing as required. If there are going to be snow blizzards or heavy rain, seriously consider travelling a different way. The same applies when there are icy roads, dense fog, or strong winds.
If the weather is going to be the opposite of this, it can present different challenges. Ensure there is plenty of sunscreen with you, as cyclists can be vulnerable to sunburn, especially on the back of their necks. Sunglasses can also help with visibility when there is a strong glare from the sun.
Someone on a bike will never be 100% safe from other road users. What they can do is ensure they cycle responsibly and use correctly maintained bikes and helmets. And, always be alert of the dangers that lurk on the road.