Cycling is a perfect low-impact physical activity that people of all ages can enjoy. It is cheap, fun, environmentally friendly, and helps you exercise and prevent obesity and other health conditions associated with excess weight.
Unfortunately, cycling accidents are pretty common and can prove fatal when an accident happens, especially involving a motor vehicle. According to the National Safety Council, over 308,864 injuries and 1,089 deaths were recorded in 2019 alone, resulting from bicycle accidents across the country.
That means you may want to exercise extra caution when cycling to ensure your own safety that of other road users.
"When one gets injured in a bicycle accident where someone else is at fault, they have a right to pursue compensation," says personal injury lawyer Felix Gonzalez. However, hiring a skilled bicycle accident attorney will help you establish liability, handle settlement negotiations, or even get you legal representation in court if your case goes to trial.
Here are several cycling rules to keep in mind.
Have the Right Cycling Gear
When cycling on a public road, you must wear cycling gear to keep yourself and the other road users safe. A helmet with the proper safety standards can help protect your head from injuries in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Further, you should always wear a reflector jacket to enable drivers to see you from far, especially when riding at night. Mounting reflective strips on your bike can also help ensure safety.
Avoid Cycling Under Alcohol Influence
Many cyclists think that riding a bike while under the influence of alcohol is fun and easy. However, the risks involved are not worth the bargain.
Alcohol disrupts decision-making and rational thought, prompting you to act without thinking about your actions. In other words, it is not unlikely to get involved in an accident or suffer an injury when riding a bike after taking alcohol due to reduced coordination and lack of judgment.
That is why you should stay away from cycling as much as possible while under the influence of alcohol.
Follow the Traffic Rules
A bicycle falls under the category of vehicles, and it is expected to abide by all the traffic rules.
For instance, it is crucial to ensure that you are always riding on the right side when cycling. Keeping on your lane always guarantees your safety with oncoming vehicles.
Additionally, it is a must that you diligently stop at red lights. Bikers in most events tend to ignore traffic lights, increasing the chances of an accident.
If you are cycling at night, you should have working bike lights and reflectors to indicate your presence on the road. When making a turn, you may want to use your hand by stretching it to show the direction you intend to turn.
Be Cautious and Look Straight Ahead
Researchers have found that a significant percentage of bicycle accidents were caused by absent-mindedness. As such, you need to avoid riding while stressed out and always stay focused on the road when cycling.
More importantly, it would be best if you kept a distance of at least several meters when cycling behind a vehicle to avoid crashing and ensure that your bicycle has working brakes, lights, and a horn.
Cycling is a fun activity, especially when done in the right way. Adhering to all the cycling rules guarantees you a safe and fun-filled ride.
