It can be dangerous to ride your bicycle in the city. It certainly is beneficial as a means of transportation and a way to stay in shape. But you have to contend with motorists who cause car accidents, and you’re at a massive disadvantage if that happens.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to increase your own safety. It’s important to keep this in mind before you go out for a ride so you lower the odds you’ll be injured in a crash.
Get the right gear
First and foremost, be sure you have all the right equipment. A helmet is perhaps the most important, as it drastically lowers the odds of a serious head injury if you are involved in a crash. It’s also wise to have high-visibility clothing. If you’re riding at night, consider adding lights or reflective tape.
Ride with traffic
Next, obey all the rules of the road. This means riding with the traffic, in the bike lane or on the side of the lane. In some cases, it is permitted to ride on the sidewalk, but not always. It’s also important to use hand signals, especially when turning or crossing a street.
Avoid distractions
Finally, you have to anticipate that other drivers may make mistakes, which is why avoiding distractions is so important. Don’t listen to music. Don’t look at your phone. Don’t use a Bluetooth headset to have a conversation with someone. Just focus on riding safely.
These steps can definitely help, but drivers are still going to cause serious accidents. Those who get injured need to know about all their legal options to seek compensation.
