5 Bike Safety Tips

Riding a bike is a greener and healthier way to travel. However, with so many cars on the road, riding a bike can become dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. If you want to start using your bike more often, make sure you know these five bike safety tips.

Make sure drivers can see you by wearing the right clothing: bright or reflective. This is especially important during the morning and evening, when the light is constantly changing. The frequent changes in light can make it difficult for drivers to see, so they may not see you if you are dressed all in black.

At night, and in areas with limited light, consider adding a light to your bike or helmet. You can also add reflectors directly to your bike.

If you are mountain biking, you'll need a lot of protect gear to protect you in the event of a fall. However, even quick bike rides to work or the store require some level of protective gear. Most states have laws regarding children wearing helmets, but adults may not have to.

Despite this, however, it's always a good idea to wear a helmet, especially if you are going to be riding your bike for a long time or if you will be near traffic.

You may only be riding a bike, but you need to now the driving laws because bikes aren't viewed as pedestrians. They have to follow the same rules of the road as vehicles. This means you have to drive with the traffic. If you are on the wrong side, drivers won't be looking for you, increasing your chance of getting hit.

You also need to know the driving laws to protect yourself. For example, a pedestrian walks when the light is red but cars and bikes don't. If you try crossing on a red with a bike, cars won't be expecting it, and they may hit you.  

Bike lanes are utilized in many cities, especially cities with higher rates of cyclists. If you are using a road with a bike lane, make sure to use it. It gets you safely away from cars, so you aren't in their way or more likely to get hit. At the same time, bike lanes keep you away from pedestrians, who you may accidentally hurt.

However, when passing a vehicle, you may have to get out of the bike lane at an intersection. This is because as a vehicle, bikes aren't supposed to pass on the right. Like cars, they should pass on the left to prevent a collision if the car turns. If the bike lane is not in between a designated turn lane and the straight lane, then the bike lane, in most states, becomes the car's turn lane.

If you do pass a car on the right at an intersection, and you get hit, you may be partially responsible for your injuries.

Cars indicate what they are doing with their blinkers and stop lights. However, as a cyclist, you need to learn the hand symbols. If you are going to turn left, extend your left arm out to your side as if you are pointing to the left.

If you are turning right, you can do the same thing with your right arm, but some drivers are used to an extended left arm with a 90-degree bend at the elbow with your hand flat and raised above the elbow. Finally, if you are stopping or slowing down, put your left arm out and bend your elbow so your forearm is down instead of up. Keep your palm open.

Using these tips can help keep you safe when riding your bike. If you've already been involved in an accident and you are looking to get a fair settlement, contact us at Frank W. Thompson Attorney At Law Erwin & Thompson LLP.