As an avid bike rider of four years, I’ve crashed a couple times. Sometimes a fall is unavoidable, but there are many that can be avoided or made less severe by keeping a few things in mind. Below are some helpful tips on how to safely travel by bicycle.
1. Assume No One Can See You
It’s safe to assume that most drivers don’t think twice about the presence of cyclists. While riding, I not only assume I’m invisible; I anticipate people cutting me off. Unfortunately, I’m proven right swerve after swerve.
2. Wear A Helmet
Much to their mother’s chagrin, too few people people actually wear a helmet. It’s unavoidable, you are going to look a little goofy wearing it, but that contraption will save your life. The effects of getting into a crash without a helmet are terrifying. I’ve seen a wreck victim completely lose their short term memory from a head injury. She didn’t remember calling me for help when I arrived at the hospital.
3. Make Eye Contact
To be absolutely sure a driver sees you, hold eye contact and communicate with your hands and body language as much as you can, to establish your intentions. Drivers are prone to ignoring cyclists. When eye contact is established they now see you as a fellow human being, as opposed to a two-wheeled obstacle.
4. Stop at Stop Signs
This one is a no-brainer. I’ve seen countless cyclists blow through stop signs, and this isn’t establishing any trust among drivers. Let’s establish a new status quo, and prove to drivers that we know and obey the law. When you follow the law, you are forcing others to respect your presence on the road as a legitimate presence.
Bike accidents are very common, and often unavoidable. If you are a victim of driver’s lack of responsibility, you deserve proper compensation. If you’re a victim of bicycle accident, please contact Crowe, Arnold & Majors for legal counsel.
