In a lot of ways, California is known as the driving capital of America, if not the world. Where else are so many people absolutely defined by their vehicles, their routes to work, and even their carbon footprint for transportation? The state requires some of the most stringent emission requirements across the nation and is even eyeing all-electric engines for the future.
If you are a bike rider, you are already ahead of the curve when it comes to the environment and your personal responsibility for the climate. But where does this leave you in terms of your own safety on the road?
Every year in California over 10,000 bike riders are injured and over 100 are killed. And these were the people riding around, just like you, trying to reach their jobs or their loved ones at home. When bike riders are struck down, it is a relatively subtle event on the road. There is far more focus on truck and car drivers and even pedestrians than on cyclists. But it is an event that will have a huge impact on your life.
That is why we want to take a moment here and focus on the vulnerable commuters out there; those who bike. There are things to keep in mind to avoid trouble, and the resources out there to help you in the event of an accident.
Safety for Bike Riders
Respect Traffic Guidelines
Use bike lanes whenever possible, there is a wealth of them in California. If that is not an option, make sure you can follow the normal rules of traffic. You should be stopping at red lights and stop signs. Try not to be overly hesitant, but stay defensive. Cars are less likely to see you than other drivers on the road.
Stay Safe and Visible
Wearing flashing lights, reflective tape or a combination of these markings on your bicycle is a great start, especially at night. You may want to also wear a neon or light-up vest. Wearing a helmet is not required by law in California for those under 18. The best advice is to wear one anyway. Going without a helmet is a fast way to turn an accident into a fatality. Invest in a model with good coverage that has a high safety rating.
Keep your Bike Well-Maintained
It’s less obvious than when you own a car, but a bike must be kept running, oiled, and in good repair. Have your brakes tested at your first sign of any slipping, and look out for any degradation of the handlebars, especially if you rest your weight on them. For your own convenience, you may want to travel with a tire repair kit. That way you won’t find yourself stranded, especially at night.
Dealing with Accidents
If the worst does occur, and you do find yourself in an accident, make sure to seek medical attention immediately. Ask someone for help if you are unable to make a call on your own. If you are able, note any details of the other bikers or drivers and ask for any contact information from witnesses around you. You should also get in touch with a trusted attorney to go over your rights and best interests.
blogs
Accidents with the Uninsured
Let’s say the worst happens and you find yourself in a serious car accident. Even if everything after the crash goes according to plan, it is a difficult and confusing process. But if you add to all this the fact that the other person is not insured, you could be left facing an absolute nightmare. […]
Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles may be a reliably safe mode of transportation but, as in so many accidents out in the world, the problem is not often with the mode of transportation you’re in, but how the person who hits you is traveling. Every year, more than 50,000 bicyclists are injured in collisions with automobiles. Too few of […]
Winter Bicycle Riding Tips
With cold winds in your face and slick surfaces to navigate, the winter is not the ideal to ride on your typical bicycle. Many of us use a bike as our regular transportation, and some of us have our bikes tricked out for winter riding, as well. In order to make the most of your […]
Lemon Laws for Defective Hyundai Vehicles in California
If your newly acquired or leased Hyundai car has repeated problems that require repair, the vehicle manufacturer or its licensed representative owes you a refund, repair, or replacement. If you wind up with a lemon car and the manufacturer is not willing to take care of the vehicle, you will need to seek the counsel […]
Scooter Safety
Since the program began in 2018, when the city of Los Angeles legalized scooters and made a plan to distribute more, they have been a ubiquitous addition to the city streets. Touted as a boon to lower-income people who would have difficulty purchasing and maintaining cars, the scooters were a popular initiative. They were approved […]
Tips for Driving in the Rain
Especially in areas like LA, where rainfall is not as popular an occurrence, drivers can seem to lose their minds as soon as the first drop hits the pavement. Every year, an estimated 21% of all crashes are related to weather conditions. You need to keep yourself and your family safe on the road, no […]
Five Helpful Facts and Tips About Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycles are specialist machines. They require their own licenses, training and a specific discipline for driving safely. Learning to drive defensively on a motorcycle can be more difficult than doing so in an automobile. Each year, there are 2,907 total motorcycle crashes, 2,274 of which result in injuries and 156 of which result in some […]
Four Medical Alert and Slip and Fall Apps
Slip and fall accidents are unfortunately rather common in the US. The part that many people often miss when discussing slip and fall accidents, though, is that it is not just the elderly who suffer from them. Anyone of any age can have an accident, and people of all walks of life may have chronic […]
5 Things to Avoid After a Car Accident in California
After an auto accident in California, you’ll get all sorts of advice on what to do next. Some people will advise you to contact the police, exchange driver information, talk witnesses into giving their statement, call 911, and many other tips. While they’re all looking out for you, rarely does anyone tell you what not […]
Five Pedestrian Accident Facts
Some numbers have Arizona as the most dangerous state in the U.S. when it comes to pedestrians. They are in the most danger by simply being outnumbered, which means accidents are likely to rise as the number of automobiles on the road continues to rise. It is important for you to not only understand how […]
contact form
