Biking can be a blast. It’s a great way to get some exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and even save money on gas. But biking can also be dangerous. Accidents happen for all sorts of reasons. Maybe a car didn’t see you. Maybe the road was wet. Or maybe you just weren’t paying attention. A sizeable number of bike accidents happen because people aren’t sure what the right safety measures are. It’s like anything else – if you don’t know the rules, you’re more likely to mess up. That’s why we’re here to help. We want everyone to enjoy biking safely, and these safety tips go a LONG way to keeping you safe on the road.
Always Wear a Helmet
One of the simplest yet most important steps to biking safely is wearing a helmet. A properly fitting helmet can make the difference between a minor injury and a severe one. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration puts a major focus on the importance of wearing a helmet to reduce the risk of head injuries in case of an accident. Make sure your helmet fits snugly and covers your forehead. It’s also something you want to wear every time you ride, no matter how short the trip.
Predictable Riding: Obey all Traffic Laws & Lights
When you’re biking safely, you need to think like a driver. This means following the same rules and riding in the same direction as traffic. Treat yourself as if you’re driving a car, but with an even greater focus on safety. Obey all street signs and traffic signals — they apply to cyclists too. Don’t rush through red lights or dart across the road. Being predictable is key to biking safely. Signal your intentions clearly and well in advance. When approaching intersections, slow down and look both ways, even if you have the right of way. Be especially cautious around train tracks, crossing them at a right angle to avoid getting your wheels caught.
Make Sure That Your Bike Is Ready for the Road
Before you hit the road, give your bike a quick once-over. This simple step can prevent many accidents caused by mechanical failures. Start by checking your tires. Are they properly inflated? Look for any cuts or embedded objects in the rubber. Also, test your brakes to make sure they’re responsive and not worn down.
Check that your chain is clean and lubricated and that it shifts smoothly through all gears. Your seat and handlebars should be at the correct height and tightly fastened. Don’t forget to test your lights if you’ll be riding at dawn, dusk, or night. Reflectors should be clean and properly positioned. If you’re not sure about any aspect of your bike’s maintenance, don’t hesitate to visit your local bike shop. They can perform a thorough safety check and make any necessary adjustments.
Use Hand Signals
Hand signals are your way of communicating with drivers and other cyclists. Using hand signals when turning or stopping can significantly decrease the risk of accidents. Make sure to extend your arm fully and clearly so there’s no confusion about your intentions. Practicing these signals can make them second nature, which is crucial in busy traffic situations.
Stay Away From the Tech
In our connected world, it’s tempting to stay plugged in even while riding. However, using tech devices while cycling can be incredibly dangerous. Your phone, music player, or any other gadget can distract you from the road, significantly increasing your risk of accidents. When you’re biking, your full attention should be on your surroundings.
If you need to use your phone, pull over to a safe spot first. Avoid wearing headphones while riding, as they can prevent you from hearing important traffic sounds like car horns or approaching vehicles. If you must listen to music, consider using a single earbud in your right ear, keeping your left ear open to traffic coming from behind.
Ride Single File
When cycling with friends or in a group, ride single file, especially on busy roads or narrow bike lanes. This practice makes you more visible to drivers and gives you more room to maneuver if you need to avoid obstacles or react to sudden changes in traffic. It also helps you maintain a consistent line, making your movements more predictable to other road users. When you’re in a bike lane, stay as far to the right as is safely possible. However, don’t ride so close to the curb that you risk hitting it or debris that often collects there. If you need to pass another cyclist, do so on the left, checking carefully for traffic before moving out of the single file formation.
How Can Drivers Keep Cyclists Safe?
While cyclists have a responsibility to ride safely, drivers play an equally important role in preventing bicycle injuries and deaths. If you’re behind the wheel, always be on the lookout for cyclists, especially at intersections and when making turns. Give cyclists plenty of space — at least three feet when passing. Check your blind spots carefully before turning or changing lanes. Be particularly cautious when opening car doors on the street side, as a cyclist could be approaching. When turning right, yield to any cyclists going straight. And avoid honking at someone on a bike ride unless absolutely necessary, as it could startle them and cause an accident.
Kozloff Stoudt Can Help Cyclists
Even with all these safety measures, accidents can still happen. At Kozloff Stoudt Attorneys, we focus on the safety and comfort of bike riders in and around Reading, PA. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, our bicycle accident attorneys are here to help. With these bike riding safety tips and our legal team by your side, you can ride freely, knowing you’ll be safe on the streets and covered in case of any incidents. Contact our PA personal injury attorneys today to learn more.