Brush up on safety tips to help prevent commuter bicycling accidents.
Did you know that 40 percent of all car trips in the US involve a distance of two miles or less? Such short journeys are often totally feasible by bike, and riding instead of driving gives bicycle commuters the satisfaction of acting on their eco-friendly principles and enjoying a healthier lifestyle at the same time.
The rising popularity of eco-friendly and health-conscious activities may explain why interest in bicycle commuting has grown tremendously. Even in communities where no effort has been made to become bike-friendly, bicycle commuting rates increased by 31 percent from 2000 to 2013. And in bicycle-friendly communities that actively seek ways to make cycling safer and more attractive to commuters, rates have increased by 105 percent.
Every year, National Bike to Work Week provides an impetus for people who have been considering switching from driving to biking to work to give commuter biking a try. This year’s National Bike to Work Week starts today, May 16. If you are not quite ready to take the plunge today, get your gear together in time for Friday, May 20, which is National Bike to Work Day. You do not have to do it alone—about 43 of the 51 largest US cities and many smaller communities traditionally hold Bike to Work events so check your local listings for a ride you can participate in.
Safety Tips for Bicycle Commuters
Of course, if you do decide to bike to work instead of drive, you will be giving up all the safety features of your vehicle. If you get into an accident, you could be seriously hurt. So, before you pedal off to work for the first time, brush up on your bike safety with these tips for safe bicycle commuting:
- Always wear a helmet
- Wear reflective clothing or a light for night riding
- Follow the rules of the road
- Be extra cautious at intersections
- Use designated bike lanes whenever possible
- When bike lanes are not available, ride towards the right hand side of the road but not so close you could be hit if a parked car’s door is opened
What To Do If You Get Into a Bicycle Accident
Of course, no matter how careful you are, it is possible for another person to be careless and cause an accident. If you are seriously hurt in a bicycle accident, try to take photographs of the scene of the accident and collect contact information from all involved parties and witnesses before seeking medical care. Then, call an experienced bicycle accident injury attorney like Fernando D. Vargas to help you decide what to do next. The initial consultation is always free—call us at 909-982-0707 now to schedule yours.
