Safety Tips For Bicyclists
Many residents of the Sunshine State enjoy bicycling because it is environmentally friendly, provides excellent exercise, and the beautiful year-round weather here provides an ideal setting for this activity. But unfortunately, bicycling isn’t always a safe method of transportation. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, almost 800 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2017 alone and, unfortunately, Florida is consistently one of the states leading the way in national rankings of these grim statistics.
Because of this, it is imperative that every bicyclist understand safety measures he or she can undertake to help stay safe on the road.
What Example of This Kind of Tragedy Was Recently in the News?
Local 10 News recently reported that a bicyclist was fatally injured in a recent Saturday morning hit-and-run accident. Officers have asserted that the driver was speeding in the westbound lane reserved for bicyclists. The vehicle went onto the shoulder and bicycle lane of the causeway where the driver struck and killed the cyclist. The driver was apparently attempting to bypass traffic as all the lanes were occupied according to eyewitness accounts. Unfortunately, while police have located the vehicle involved in the accident, the driver has not yet been identified.
What Measures Can Bicyclists Undertake to Help Themselves Stay Safe on the Road?
Prepare Before Leaving…
- Map out a route in advance
- Obtain a helmet that fits properly
- Make sure your bicycle is in good working order
- Never drink or do drugs before riding your bicycle
- Try to avoid nighttime rides or riding in bad weather
- Especially if you must ride at night, wear reflective gear or attach panels to your clothes
- Fully charge your cell phone so that you have it if an emergency arises
On the Road…
Obey signs and traffic signals
- Stay in the designated bicycle lane
- Always travel in the same direction as cars
- Lookout for and avoid road hazards like potholes and cracked concrete
- If wearing headphones, ensure you can still hear what is happening around you
- Use hand signals and call out before changing lanes or turning
- Avoid distracted behavior such as using your cell phone while riding
Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in a Car Accident While Bicycling?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident due to the fault of someone else, we can help. We understand how serious the resulting injuries can be and how confusing it can be to understand where to turn. This is one journey you should not attempt without competent legal help from a team who will face every challenge with the same momentum you do when you are on the seat of your bicycle. The Miami bicycle accident attorneys at The Pendas Law Firm have helped many people in similar circumstances figure out how to proceed following a bike accident and we offer the legal help you need to be successful with your claim. Contact us for help today.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Orlando, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, Ocala and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety
