Are you aware that more than 45,000 reported bicycle accidents occur annually in the United States?
While cycling is an excellent way to stay in shape and maintain good health, it carries specific risks.
With an increasing number of distractions on the road each year, more individuals are exposed to potential dangers. It is important for victims to hire an experienced bicycle accident attorney and obtain compensation for their losses through a bicycle accident claim.
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6 Safety Tips to Avoid Bicycle Accidents
To reduce the number of bicycle accidents, we’ve put together some safety tips. These tips aim to help you stay safe while riding your bicycle on the road.
1. Ensure You Pick the Right-Sized Bike
To stay safe while riding, make sure you choose a bicycle of the correct size. Riding a bike that’s too small or too big can limit your ability to handle and control it.
Bicycle sizes are determined by your height, so when searching for a new bike, check the manufacturer’s sizing chart. The chart provides different bike sizes based on varying height measurements.
As a rule of thumb, you should be able to stand with your feet flat on the ground, leaving about two inches of space between the bike seat and your groin. It’s also helpful to consult the salesperson before buying to ensure you get the right-sized frame for your height.
2. Verify Your Brakes
Before hitting the road, double-check whether your brakes are in good working condition. Ensure the brake pads on your bike rub against the disc rotor on the wheels. If you encounter any issues, take the time to adjust them before you start your ride.
To confirm proper brake function, spin the wheels with your hand and press on the brake. Perform this simple test for both the front and back wheels before heading out.
3. Always Use Front Lights
Headlights aren’t just for cars; adding them to your bicycle enhances your ability to see and be seen. To boost your safety on the road, consider installing both daytime running lights and a headlight for night riding.
4. Always Wear a Helmet
Bicycle helmet regulations differ across the United States, depending on the state and the rider’s age. In Tennessee, anyone under sixteen must wear a helmet, but if you’re over sixteen, it’s not mandatory.
Yet, studies indicate that wearing a helmet, no matter your age, can cut the chance of a severe head injury by half. Moreover, it can lower the risk of neck and face injuries by 33%.
Consistently wearing a helmet while biking significantly decreases the likelihood of sustaining a life-altering injury in the event of a bicycle accident. If, unfortunately, you are in a bicycle accident, never reuse a damaged helmet. Helmets are designed to crack upon impact to safeguard your skull.
5. Avoid Riding with Headphones On
Many people enjoy wearing headphones or earbuds while cycling. However, it can be risky.
When biking, especially in traffic, your senses must process a lot to alert your brain to potential hazards—other bikes, cars, horns, yelling, and sirens from emergency vehicles.
Even on quiet roads, you need to listen for vehicles behind you that could pose a safety threat. Since cycling on the road already makes you vulnerable, consider whether listening to music is worth risking your safety.
6. Keep Both Hands on the Handlebar at All Times
Sometimes people ride bicycles with one or no hands on the handlebars, perhaps holding a cup of coffee or a cell phone, or just to look cool.
However, riding without both hands on the handlebars comes with significant risks. Road hazards like potholes or uneven pavement may be unseen until you’re right on them. Even with two hands, rough road surfaces can make it challenging to maintain full control of your bicycle.
Regardless of your situation, it is always recommended to ride with both hands on the handlebars to reduce the risk of a bicycle accident and potential serious injury.
