Whether you ride a bicycle often or just on occasion, it’s important to know how to be a safe as possible. at Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we’re proud to work with victims who’ve been injured in bike accidents. However, we’d prefer that people were no longer injured in these accidents. Read on to learn what we’ve learned over the years about bike safety. If you’ve been injured in any type of accident that was the fault of someone else, please reach out to us at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
What’s the safest bike on the market?
Many people assume that the key to staying safe on the roads is to have the latest bike safety equipment. After all, there are all kinds of technological innovations in the bike industry. The truth is that studies have shown that it’s not really about the specific bike you have or what tech it has – safety is all about the safety gear you’re wearing and how well maintained your bike is. An old bike that’s been maintained is better than a brand-new bike with safety features that’s been allowed to rust.
The rider determines how safe the bike is
The bottom line is that when you’re on a bike, it’s as safe as you are. This means that you should always wear a helmet and that if you must ride in the dark or low-light situations, then you should have reflective gear. For example, you may have reflective strips on your bike and helmet, your clothing, and even on your shoes.
You also need to follow the laws of the road. Use techniques like making eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you and paying enough attention to other drivers to avoid them if they’re texting or distracted. It can be hard to share the road with cars and it’s more common for the driver of a car to be at-fault for an accident with a bike, but that doesn’t mean you can’t help to lower your risk.
Keep your bike well maintained
Riding a used bike can be just as safe as riding a brand-new bike as long as it’s well maintained – even if the bike is decades old. Some things you can do to make sure your bike stays in good shape is to store it inside and not outside and service it regularly. If you crash your bike, or if you buy a used bike, stop by a bike repair shop to have it looked over and ensure it’s sound.
Other ways to stay safe include making sure your tire pressure is correct and making sure your bike chain stays oiled and in good shape. Bring a simple repair and patch kit with you on rides. Every month, wipe down the bike and lube the parts that need it. Brake pads, cables, and housing should be checked at least yearly but preferably every six months.
