Bicycle Safety Tips

Bicycle Safety

Bicycle riding is one of America’s favorite pastimes. As bicycle riding continues to increase in popularity, so do bicycle accidents and injuries. In fact, bicycling is unusually dangerous because of the significant risk of getting struck by a car. Bicycle accidents can happen in so many different ways including some of these most common examples:

when drivers are turning and don’t see the rider
when drivers and passengers open their door in traffic and hit a passing rider
when drivers simply don’t see the rider due to his relative size and pull out in front of him
when bikers are struck and thrown into the street and get run over by a passing vehicle

While helmets and reflectors help warn drivers, bicyclists are slow relative to cars and a person on a bicycle has no protection in comparison to the protection offered by a 2-ton vehicle. Moreover, a bicycle has no safety devices whereas a have every safety device imaginable to prevent injury, including seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, and skid-control just to name a few. In stark contrast, the bicyclist has a helmet for the sole purpose of preventing or minimizing head injury.

The good news is that bike accidents, like most accidents, are often preventable. Being aware of your surroundings, being mindful of weather conditions, and employing safe riding principles are some of the ways you can protect yourself. Here our some bike safety tips so you can protect yourself and stay safe as bicycle rider:

Safety Tips For Bicycle Riders:

The law does not require helmets, but safety certified helmets prevent serious head injuries and death.
Your bike should be in good condition and have all required equipment.
To make sure that motorists can see you, wear bright colors, stay out of blind spots, and use lights and reflectors after dark.
Signal before you slow down, change lanes, or turn.
Scan behind you before merging, changing lanes or turning, and allow plenty of time to make your maneuver.
Use caution when passing parked cars or moving vehicles and leave space to avoid opening car doors and swerving vehicles.
Use extra caution at intersections and never assume the right-of-way when there are approaching vehicles.
Do not make any sudden or unpredictable maneuvers.

Studies show that riding with traffic is much safer than riding on a sidewalk. Moreover, Missouri does not allow bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk in a business district.

If you have been injured in a biking accident, contact Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys at 816-471-5111 for a FREE consultation with no obligation or click “Just Ask.” Serious injuries call for experienced representation.

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
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Overland Park, KS 66210
*By Appointment Only: Heather A. Lottmann & Victor B. Finkelstein

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Kansas City Accident Injury Attorneys
1102 Grand Blvd., Ste 1901
Kansas City, MO 64106
Phone: 816-471-5111
Toll Free: 888-348-2616
Get Directions

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