Safety Precautions Bicyclists Should Follow to Avoid Crashes

Cycling is not only one of the best ways to enjoy the open road, but it’s also a fantastic way to explore your surroundings and stay active. However, you must always prioritize your safety if you want to avoid getting into bike accidents, which come with the potential risk of sustaining bicycle injuries.

With that said, if you weren’t at fault in the incident and you’d like to seek compensation for any harm or damages, then you may want to consider hiring a bicycle accident lawyer.

However, there are certain things you can do to try and prevent this from ever happening. Below are some of the things you can do to significantly reduce the risk of getting into a bicycle accident.

Be Visible

Being seen as a cyclist will always give you an edge. Use reflective gear or lights and wear brightly colored clothing, especially if you're riding your bike at night or in lowly-lit conditions. Try and make yourself as bright and visible as you can to other motorists and road users, which, in turn, will help increase the likelihood of you being noticed and thus reduce the chances of an accident.

Reflective accessories, like bands or brightly-colored vests, can also help enhance your visibility and lessen the risk of getting into an accident because of poor visibility. Using lights during the day is quite essential for your safety as well. They can act as visual cues, allowing you to stand out.

Get a Bike That Fits Your Size

A bike that fits you properly becomes an extension of your body, not an awkward contraption. The right frame size allows for smooth weight distribution for better handling, comfortable straddling for improved balance, and proper leg extension for efficient power transfer and confident braking. This translates to better maneuverability, reduced strain and fatigue, and ultimately, the ability to react quickly and stay in control in unpredictable situations.

Plan Safe Bike Routes

Plan out the routes you’re going to use in advance and select roads that have low traffic volumes and protected bicycle lanes. Understand the local cycling infrastructure and raise your awareness of all the potential bike hazards along the way, such as debris and potholes. Knowing the road conditions as well as your route can allow you to prevent yourself from getting into bicycle accidents and help make sure you have a smoother ride.

Obey Traffic Laws

As a cyclist, it is essential that you abide by all the traffic laws in your area, just like all the other people using the road. Obey all the traffic signals, yield to pedestrians, and adhere to all stop signs. Communicate your intentions and signal your turns to fellow cyclists and other motorists. Following all the traffic rules and regulations will help enhance your visibility and allow you to avoid collisions.

Ride Defensively

Adopt a defensive style when riding your bike and use one that prioritizes your safety. Assume that other road users might not see you coming or riding by and always be ready to yield whenever necessary. Maintain a healthy distance between you and other vehicles, be careful at intersections, and keep a close eye out for any opening doors. Defensive bike riding helps lessen the risk of getting into traffic-related incidents caused by other people’s actions. Also, before you start driving defensively, inspect your bike and make sure it is in proper working condition.

An Off Topic Tip: Wear a Helmet

Putting on a well-fitted helmet will significantly lessen the chances of you sustaining severe head injuries in the event you get involved in a bicycle accident. You want to strongly consider investing in a good quality bicycle helmet that meets the requisite safety standards. Also, make sure it has a snuggle fit when you put it on your head. Remember, wearing a helmet doesn’t only protect your brain but your future as well.