Cyclists are some of the most vulnerable travelers on the road because they are principally unprotected if they are involved in an accident. Although bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities on the road as automobiles, in many cases drivers do not recognize it or are unaware of cyclists on the road.
If you use a bike for fun or transportation, you know it is an activity that requires extra attention and care to be safe. There are many mistakes cyclists make every day that put them in potential danger. Learn what are these mistakes so you could avoid doing them.
Common Dangers
Cyclists must be constantly careful on the road and always ready to act at any time to avoid a possible danger.
Some of Common Risks Cyclist Must Face Include:
Road Obstructions
Parked cars, trash cans, and debris can block the cyclist’s passage in the bicycle lane or on the edge of a highway. Bumps, cracks, sewer grates, and gutters can also be extremely dangerous if a rider’s wheel is caught.
Slippery Roads
On rainy days or in areas that have been recently watered, the roads can be slippery. Many bikes have small brake pads and thin wheels that can lose their grip/control in wet weather.
Inattentive drivers
Some drivers do not adequately or carefully look for cyclists on the road, even when the cyclist is clearly obvious to others. Some of these drivers are distracted because they are on the phone, texting, chatting with someone in the car, or setting the radio.
Reckless Drivers
Some drivers notice bikes, but they do not act with safety around them. They could cut off, pass closely, or endanger cyclists.
The First Problem is a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is obviously safer than not wearing it. A big mistake that many cyclists make when wearing a helmet is having it too far backward on the head. This is a problem because if you are in an accident, you need the helmet to protect the front of the head as well. If you are wearing it too far back on your head your forehead is more exposed and can cause similar damage to not wear a helmet in the first place. Do make the effort to wear a helmet and do wear it properly.
Be Careful with your Surroundings
A second mistake is not only studying carefully common bicycle accidents that might occur. You must be more conscious than average drivers when pedaling on the roads. There are many common accidents that happen. If you have this knowledge, you will be prepared with what to do in many situations where other cyclists have been injured or even killed.
While many cyclists like to travel with an MP3 player, this is not the best practice when you are on the road. If you are on a bike path that is not too crowded, listening to music should not be a problem. However, on the road, you must use your ears to be fully aware of what is going on around you for your own personal safety.
Therefore, it is important that cyclists are as visible as possible and take preventive measures to ensure their own safety. Knowing how to use the road safely is a key part of minimizing the threat of an accident.
Make Sure Your Bike is Suitable for Your Body!
You do not want to develop back or wrist problems because your weight is not evenly distributed as it should be. Visit a bicycle shop and ask for help to find or adjust your bike to a better position for you.
If you are in an accident, you will want to speak to an attorney. Call us!
