Rs Law Offices/Our blog/Basic Bike Safety

Basic Bike Safety

03/04/2022

Since 2014, in Los Angeles, more than 180 bicyclists lost their lives when colliding with motor vehicles in and around Los Angeles. More than 50,000 bicyclists suffer serious injuries in such collisions nationally. Understanding some basic bike safety might help you better avoid accidents in the future.

As bicycles increase in daily use for Americans, it is incumbent on bike riders to not just know their rights, but how to be a part of the traveling ecosystem, along with motor vehicles and pedestrians. Bicycle riders have the same responsibilities as motor vehicles, as well as the same rights. Making safer choices is always an option when riding a bike.


Avoiding Accidents

Most bicycling deaths occur, statistically, between 6 and 9 PM, and more often in urban areas. One in four fatal bicycle crashes in the year 2019 involved an inebriated cyclist (one who had been drinking alcohol). A few tips to ride safely:

  • Make sure the bike is your size, and therefore
    easy to control
  • Wear visibility and protective gear
  • Don’t carry anything in your arms while riding –
    use a backpack or strap it to the back of the bike
  • Tie your shoelaces
  • Plan your route

Wearing a Helmet

Helmets might seem an obvious choice, but many people forego them for personal reasons, putting them at risk of severe injury or even death in an accident. Most important about a bike helmet is that it should fit you – the better it fits, the more it can protect you. Sizes can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so be sure to assess your proper size before buying one.

Driving Defensively

Driving defensively is just as it sounds – staying alert and focused so that you can be the first person to avoid or pull yourself away from an accident. Anticipating the moves of those around you is key – other bikers, motor vehicles, pedestrians, animals, faulty roads – there are countless potential obstacles on the road for bicycles. A few good general guidelines:

  • Drive in the same direction as traffic
  • Obey all street signs and lights, road markings and signals, just as you would if you were driving a car
  • Don’t get distracted – listening to music or anything else that keeps your ears, eyes, or mind off the task at hand will distract you. You need to keep all senses on the road and analyze traffic
  • Always assume the other person cannot see you
  • Keep an eye out for obstacles that can get in your way

Becoming a Better Bike Rider

If you’re just learning how to ride a bike, or even if you want to up your skill level, driving in a park or somewhere else away from traffic can help. There may also be classes you can take to get better and safer at riding a bike.

Conclusion

Bicycles are often an afterthought for distracted drivers. They don’t think about them until they see them, which is often too late. As a bike rider, it’s your job to stay alert and keep yourself and those around you safe.

blogs

You might like

Do Lemon Laws Apply in Auto Dealer Frauds

Most state and federal laws penalize fraudulent marketing, sales, and financing schemes. Knowing your rights and if the state’s lemon laws apply is critical to getting compensated. We explain more about auto dealer frauds, the different types, and the best time to hire an attorney. What is an Auto Dealer Fraud? It’s an unlawful and […]

21/12/2020
Read more

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Having your winter tires installed on your car and packing a windshield scraper is a good start to being prepared to drive in the winter, but as the cold weather gets harsher, the driving conditions get worse. With this comes the tendency for some people to overcorrect or not know how to stop properly, or […]

26/12/2022
Read more

How Much is a Slip and Fall Claim Settlement Worth?

When filing a slip and fall claim, you might want to consider the amount of compensation. While there’s no defined amount of settlement, a successful claim should adequately compensate you for physical, emotional, and monetary loss. Hiring an experienced lawyer is critical to getting adequate compensation for a valid claim. The article explains the factors […]

07/12/2020
Read more

Five Products for Truck Driver Safety

Truck drivers are the backbone of the economy, and their safety is of the utmost importance. Not only are they at special risk of trafficaccidents, but truck driving comes with a host of other dangers. The easiest way to stay safe while driving any vehicle is being aware of your surroundings and making sure your […]

14/10/2022
Read more

Involved In A Car Accident? Here’s Why You Should Engage a Car Accident Lawyer

It is never easy to live a normal life after surviving the horrors of a severe car wreck. In the United States alone, millions of individuals get injured in car accidents every year.  According to research, most of these disasters are caused by several factors that include speeding, inattentive driving, inexperienced driving, reckless driving, and […]

01/03/2021
Read more

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 […]

01/08/2022
Read more

Personal Injury – Why You Should Never Wait

We’ve all been told to “walk it off” before. Whether it’s for a pain, injury or just not feeling well, a lot of people will be there to tell you it’s probably nothing. And while it is important to keep a positive mindset, you should also pay attention to your body and not push yourself […]

26/04/2021
Read more

Who is Liable if an Airbag Fails to Deploy During a Car Accident?

An airbag is an automobile device designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision. The airbag prevents a person from hitting their face on the dashboard or steering wheel. They’re customarily hidden but inflate instantly when a crash begins. When Are Airbags Supposed to Deploy? As soon as the Airbags work by inflating vehicle starts […]

05/10/2020
Read more

What to Look for When Hiring an Attorney

In Arizona and California, two big car cultures on the grow, you’re statistically more likely to be involved in some sort of motor vehicle accident or have some other legal concerns surrounding your automobile. Other injuries, like dog bites and slip and falls, are all-too common, and can be difficult to navigate with some kind […]

11/11/2022
Read more

Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycling might be the true essence of freedom in transportation. No dependence on anyone to get around except yourself, no motor to make you drive out of control, and you can park your bike just about anywhere. Still, safety while riding a bicycle is just as important as with any other mode of transportation, especially […]

01/05/2022
Read more

contact form

Get in touch

By providing your phone number, you agree to receive text messages from RS Law Offices. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. View our Privacy Policy.