Guest Blog
Each year, more than 45,000 bicycle accidents are reported. While riding a bike is a great way to stay healthy and get where you need to go with minimal impact on the environment, it does come with inherent risks. There are more people on the road than ever before who are distracted while driving, especially considering the heavy reliance we put on technology and our smartphones. This puts those on bicycles at serious risk of being injured or losing their life because drivers aren’t paying attention to the roadway as they should be. For this reason, we have created a quick guide of fundamental tips on how to prevent a bike accident.
Use a Correctly Sized Bike
A bike accident lawyer knows all too well the unfortunate results of people getting hurt because they were on a bike that wasn’t the correct size for them. Using an appropriately sized bike and tires for your frame is one of the first ways that you can stay safe. If you use a bike that is much too big or too small for you, it can limit your ability to stay in control of the bike properly. The various sizes of bikes are generally based on height, so be sure to check with the manufacturer’s sizing chart before purchasing.
Check Your Brakes Before You Ride
Before going out on a ride, check that your brakes are in good working order. The brake pads on your bike should not be frictioning against the disc rotor located on the wheels. If you do have any issues with the brakes, it is worth stopping and taking the time to adjust them or buy replacements before you continue. To check that the brakes are working properly, spin the wheels with your hand and press on the brake. Do this test for both the front and back wheels before each ride.
Use Headlights
Headlights are a useful way to alert drivers of your presence. If you want to enhance your safety when riding on the ride, consider putting both daytime and headlight lights on the bike so that you are covered no matter what time of day it is. But keep in mind that riding a bike at dusk is one of the most dangerous times to be out, as the direction of the sun impairs a car driver’s ability to see you.
Never Ride Without a Helmet
Many people are afraid to look silly if they use a helmet while riding a bike. But at the end of the day, what could save your life is whether you place a helmet on your head or not. Before going out on your next ride, consider the fact that even if you are a seasoned bicyclist, a car driver could be the one that hits you. You can only do so much to prevent being hit. When you look at it this way, the choice of putting on a helmet or not should be easy.
Even if you take the fundamental prevention tips described here, you could be the victim of a bike accident if a driver near you was being reckless or negligent. Every day bicyclists become victims when someone is at-fault for their injuries. Some bicyclists may need to get help from a lawyer, similar to the team at Cohen & Cohen, in order to receive compensation for their property damage and injury.