Bicycling is a fun and healthy way to commute. According to Bicycling Magazine, cycling offers substantial benefits for your whole body – including your brain. Despite these advantages, bicycling is dangerous when riders do not follow basic safety guidelines.
These five tips, in particular, can help bicyclists avoid most accidents:
- Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws
- Ride in the same direction as traffic
- Ride predictably
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Make sure drivers can see you
If you were injured by a negligent motorist or cyclist in Louisiana, contact an injury lawyer from Morris Bart, LLC in Baton Rouge. Our personal injury lawyers will evaluate your case, interview witnesses and guide you through the claims process.
Schedule a free initial consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers today by calling 800-537-8185. Until then, read on to learn five bicycling safety tips:
Familiarize Yourself with Local Traffic Laws
Familiarizing yourself with local traffic laws is about more than staying out of trouble with law enforcement. These laws exist to keep all road users safe. Bike League offers a comprehensive overview of bicycling laws across the country.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Ride in the Same Direction as Traffic
It is usually unsafe to ride a bike on sidewalks or against the flow of traffic. If there is no bicycle lane available on your route, then ride in the same direction as traffic.
Ride Predictably
You should ride in a predictable manner so that other bikers can anticipate your actions. Try to maintain the same speed and trajectory and use hand signals when turning or changing lanes.
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Be Aware of Your Surroundings
As a cyclist, it is important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. You should know what is behind and in front of you, and always be on the lookout for hazards.
Be cautious when riding near parked cars, and do your best to avoid ice patches, sewer grates and potholes. By being aware of common dangers, you will be better able to anticipate a hazardous situation and take evasive action.
Make Sure Drivers Can See You
Cyclists often disappear in vehicles’ blind spots; in fact, this is one of the most common contributors to bicycle accidents. Do not expect motorists to check their blind spots; rather, always try to ride in a position where you can see drivers’ eyes. That usually indicates the driver can see you.
Also, wear brightly colored clothing and a reflective vest. Try to avoid riding at night, but if you must, then install a light on your bike. You should also fit reflectors on the wheels, and on the front and back of your bicycle.
It’s no secret that riding a bicycle comes with inherent dangers, but these tips can significantly reduce your risk of crashing. If the worst happens and you suffer an injury due to another person’s negligence, contact a Baton Rouge auto accident attorney from Morris Bart, LLC.
Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free initial consultation with our personal injury lawyers in Louisiana.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
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