Cycling is a great way to get exercise—and it’s also a fun pastime enjoyed by all ages. Cycling to work or school on nice days is an effective way to save money on gas and decrease your greenhouse gas emissions (a bonus for the environment).
Although cycling is an enjoyable way to get exercise, it can also, unfortunately, be dangerous. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 1,000 bicyclists died and there were almost 467,000 bicycle-related injuries in 2015 in the United States. Adults who are between the ages of 50 and 59 have the highest rates of bicycle death rates, and children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 19 have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle-related injuries, which account for more than one-third of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments.
To avoid a dangerous cycling accident, it’s important for bike riders to be aware of bike safety rules to keep them safe while they’re on the road.
WEAR A HELMET
One of the easiest preventative safety measures you can take while cycling is wearing a helmet at all times. When shopping for a proper bicycle helmet, be sure to always purchase a brand new one. Helmets are only built to withstand one impact, so if you’re purchasing one that’s used you may be unable to know whether your helmet was already in a crash.
STAY VISIBLE
When cycling, it’s always prudent to make sure that you are completely visible to cars and other cyclists on the road. If you choose to cycle at night, wear lighter clothes that are easily seen from the road and install a bicycle light.
GO WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC
To stay safe on the road, it’s important to ride in the flow of traffic. This means that you shouldn’t weave in and out between cars and avoid riding the wrong way down the street.
OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS AND LIGHTS
Just like cars, cyclists must follow all traffic laws and lights. You’ll need to stop at every stop sign, yield at every yellow light, and pay attention to any traffic signs or road construction. Just because you’re in a smaller vehicle does not mean that you are exempt from any traffic laws—ultimately, they are there to keep you safe.
ENSURE YOUR BICYCLE IS SAFE FOR THE ROAD
Even if you follow all the traffic laws and go with the flow of traffic, you still need to make sure that your bike is 100% road-ready. Make sure your bicycle is properly adjusted and that you are saddle in a comfortable position. Check your brakes and your wheels and see if your quick-release wheels are properly secured.
Have you or a loved one been involved in a cycling accident in Georgia because of someone else’s negligence? You don’t have to face the challenge of pursuing legal action alone. Contact the Fry | Goehring today at (404) 948-3571 —we can help you understand your rights and help you pursue compensation for any medical bills you incurred as a result of the accident.
