Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Bicycle Safety Precautions When Riding

Taking bicycle safety precautions and practicing safe riding can decrease the chances of a serious accident. It is important to pay attention to surroundings and to perform pre-ride safety checks, because bicycles offer less protection for riders. Below is a list of safety tips that can come in handy:

• Perform precautionary checks before riding. Ensuring your bike is ready prior to each ride is important. Some examples of precautionary checks are to test the brakes, check the tire pressure, and inspect your bicycle chain.
• Respect the flow of traffic. The expectations of riding a bike do not differ from driving a car. Always ride in the same direction as traffic and use the proper hand signals to inform motorists of maneuvers, such as turns.
• Always wear a helmet. Helmets are one of the few safety precautions available to riders. While wearing any helmet will increase your safety, it is best to use helmets that meet the standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
• Obey all traffic laws and rules of the road. Rules of bike riding do not differ from rules of driving. Cyclists should abide by bicycle laws and traffic signs, obey traffic lights, avoid blind spots, and not ride under the influence.
• Make yourself visible. Wearing bright colors allows you to be seen by other motorists. If you are riding at night, use reflective gear so you can be seen in the dark.
• Pay attention to your surroundings. When riding, ensure you are constantly paying attention to the road, the surrounding vehicles, and the driving environment. Since bikes have more maneuverability than cars, you may be in a better place to ensure you are not involved in an accident than the vehicles around you.

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