It’s been a beautiful summer for biking here in Western New York. With the recent pandemic-related shut-downs we’ve seen more bikes on the road than usual. This inspired our team to put together a list of 4 important safety tips to avoid a bicycle-related injuries.
1. Be Visible. Try to ride during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must ride at night, wear bright colors and make sure your bike has reflectors and/or lights. Even if your bike didn’t arrive with a reflector or light, you can buy and add them to the bike frame for a few dollars.
2. Know The Rules Of The Road. Did you know that when a bicycle rides in the roadway it must follow all the same rules as someone driving a car? Bicycles always should ride with traffic and follow traffic signals and signage. This also means you should not talk on the phone or text while biking in a roadway.
[box] Pro-Tip: If you’re new to biking, make sure you’re familiar with the universal hand signals to tell others when you’re turning, stopping, etc. If you don’t know the hand signals, you can learn them here.[/box]
3. Wear A Helmet. Wear a helmet at all times, even if you’re an adult or an experienced rider. And make sure your helmet is secure. If you can fit more than two fingers under the chin strap, it’s not tight enough. A helmet won’t keep you safe if it falls or slips off your head on impact.
4. Check Your Safety Equipment. Never take a bike out on the road with bad brakes or mechanical issues. It’s a good idea to check the mechanics of your bike while you’re off the road and before going on your first ride of the season. If you don’t have them, consider investing in a bell or mirrors.
Follow these tips to keep yourself safe on the road. If you or someone you love is injured while biking, contact us. Our experienced attorneys can help you explore whether you have a claim to cover your expenses, pain, and suffering.
