Riding a bicycle is a great way to get around and stay active. Unfortunately, accidentes de bicicleta occur far too often. Fortunately, there are simple steps that you can take to stay safe while cycling according to our friends at Unidos Legales. By following these tips, you can enjoy the many benefits of bicycling without worrying about your safety.
Always Wear a Helmet
A helmet can protect your head in the event of a crash, preventing serious head injuries. Make sure to get a bike-specific helmet that fits properly and is certified to meet safety standards. Look for helmets that include features such as chin straps and vents to keep you cool and comfortable. Before every ride, check your helmet for signs of wear and make sure it fits snugly and securely on your head. It’s also important to replace your helmet after a crash or if it has been damaged. Your helmet can be the difference between life and death, so don’t forget to put it on before your next bike ride.
Obey All Traffic Laws
This means observing stop signs and traffic signals, yielding to vehicles when appropriate, and using the proper lane of travel on a roadway. Always ride with the flow of traffic, not against it, and never ride on the sidewalk. Be mindful of other cyclists and motorists, and always stay alert. If there is a bike lane available, use it whenever possible. Additionally, you should use the appropriate arm signals when turning and be courteous to other riders. It is also a good idea to wear reflective clothing when riding at night.
Use Hand Signals
When you’re on your bicycle, it’s important to communicate your intent to other road users. One of the best ways to do this is through hand signals. Using hand signals will help other drivers and pedestrians to understand where you’re going and what maneuvers you are planning to make. To signal a left turn, extend your left arm out straight with your palm facing forward. To signal a right turn, extend your right arm out with your palm facing backward. To signal a slowdown, extend both arms out in a downward motion with palms facing the ground.
Watch for Potholes
Potholes can easily throw a cyclist off balance and cause an accident. To avoid this, always check the road ahead for any signs of potholes, especially if you’re riding in an unfamiliar area. If you see a pothole, take your time as you approach it and look for a way around it if possible. If that’s not an option, then try to go over it at an angle to reduce the impact. When going over a pothole, make sure to stay light on the handlebars so you don’t lose control of the bike. Also, pay attention to the road surface around the pothole to make sure there are no unexpected bumps that could catch you off guard.
Be Visible
When riding your bicycle, it is essential to be visible to other drivers and pedestrians. To ensure this, make sure to wear bright, reflective clothing and equip your bike with bright lights. If you’re riding in the dark, be sure to have a headlight that is visible from the front and a red light that is visible from the rear. You should also wear reflective strips or tape on your clothing and bicycle to increase visibility.
If you find yourself in an accident, contact a lawyer near you for help.
