Riding a bicycle can be quite safe but it can also be dangerous at the same time. Unfortunately, there are a lot of ways to get injured including by drivers who don’t like to share the road. Lamber Goodnow personal injury lawyers are busy with cases of people injured on their bikes due to negligent drivers.
Even if you have been riding a bike since childhood, there are still a lot of things you can do to improve your safety. It is never too late to take on new and better habits so you can stay safe on a bicycle. In this article, we will go over several ways that you can stay safe.
1 – Wear the right safety gear
Many people neglect to wear the proper safety gear when riding a bicycle. They feel that they are good enough riders to not need to take precautions.
Proper protection when riding a bike can help prevent injuries in case of a fall or collision. This includes wearing a helmet, which can protect your head from injury, as well as protective gear such as padded shorts, gloves, and elbow and knee pads.
A helmet is the most important piece of protective gear for cycling. It can help reduce the risk of serious head injuries in case of a fall or collision.
Padded shorts, gloves, and elbow and knee pads can help protect against abrasions and bruises from falls or collisions. Padded shorts can also help reduce the risk of saddle sores, which can be a common issue for long-distance riders.
Choose clothing that is bright or has reflective materials, especially if you will be riding at dawn, dusk, or at night. This will make you more visible to other road users. Use lights on your bike, such as a headlight and taillight. This will help other road users see you, especially at night or in low-light conditions.
2 – Follow the traffic laws
By following traffic laws and being a responsible road user, you can help ensure your own safety and the safety of others while riding a bicycle.
In most places, you are required to ride on the right side of the road, in the same direction as other vehicles. Stop at red lights and stop signs, and proceed with caution at yellow lights. Use hand signals to let other road users know where you are going. This includes extending your left arm straight out to indicate a left turn and extending your left arm up at a 90-degree angle to indicate a right turn.
3 – Stay alert
There are a lot of things that can cause you to crash your bicycle all around you. If you aren’t paying attention then it is easy to do something that puts your safety at risk. Stay alert when riding your bike and look for potential issues that you need to avoid.
Keep an eye out for other road users, such as cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Be prepared to react to their movements. You should also pay attention to your surroundings and look out for hazards such as potholes, gravel, or other road debris.
If you are feeling tired or distracted, it is important to take a break and rest. Pull over to a safe location and take a few minutes to rest before continuing your ride. Do not listen to music or use electronic devices while riding.
4 – Check your equipment
Going over your bicycle can help ensure that your bike is in good working order and safe to ride. If you find any issues, it is important to address them before riding to avoid accidents or injuries.
Start by making sure the tires are properly inflated and not worn down. Check for any cuts, bulges, or other damage. Make sure the brakes are working properly and are not worn down. Test the brakes to ensure that they stop the bike effectively.
The chain is also very important so you should check for any loose links or other damage, and ensure it is properly lubricated. If the chain has less than a half-inch of slack, it is too tight and needs to be loosened. If the chain is dry or rusty, it should be lubricated.
Grab the handlebars and try to move them back and forth. If there is any play or looseness, the handlebars may not be tightened properly. If the handlebars are loose, it can affect the handling and stability of the bike.
