According to a federal government report, more than 90% of all bicycle-related deaths occurred as a result of collisions with motor vehicles last year. Over 540,000 bike riders were injured and taken to the hospital in the same year, government figures show.
According to a federal government data, over 700 people died in bicycle-related incidents last year, with motor vehicles responsible for more than 90% of all fatalities. According to government data and Hensley Legal Group, more than 540,000 bike riders were injured and sent to the hospital in the same year.
Here are a few pointers to help you stay safe when riding your bike:
- To ensure a safe and enjoyable ride, make sure your bike is the right size.
- In order to avoid harm, always ride your bike with a federally authorized helmet. According to one study, motorcyclists who don’t wear helmets are 14 times more likely to die from a head injury than those who do.
- The same rules of the road apply to motorcyclists as they do to all other road users. Stop at red lights, do not use the walkway, and ride in the opposite direction of traffic if possible.
- The best place to ride your bike is in a quiet neighborhood rather than on a busy road.
- In order to be seen by other drivers, especially at night, cyclists should wear bright clothing. In order for other road users to be aware of their presence, the reflectors on their bicycles should be illuminated.
- Before hopping on a bicycle, make sure the brakes and reflectors are in good working order.
- You should keep a safe distance from cars that may open their doors so that you don’t get hit.
- Riders should dismount their bicycles if they must cross a pedestrian lane while on their bikes.
- When a motorcyclist is injured in an accident and falls from his or her bike, the driver of the car is usually held liable.
- Listening to music on a portable music player while riding a bicycle can affect the rider’s ability to hear their surroundings. Bicyclists, like all drivers, are advised by traffic safety experts to maintain a laser-like focus on the road at all times.
- When you can, give way to pedestrians when you’re on the road.
- Riders should change their speed based on the road conditions and traffic volume they encounter.
- Be sure to use the proper hand signals when coming to a complete stop, turning, or changing lanes.
- If you’re about to cross a street, be extremely cautious.
- Riders should use the full lane rather than the curb edge of the road in order to be seen and predictable to other vehicles.
- Because trucks and buses have a bigger blind zone (the area behind a vehicle where drivers can’t see anything from their side mirrors) than a passenger car, riders should use additional caution when passing them.
