Listly by Nathan Park
While the growing interest in bike riding continues to increase, the concern surrounding biking safety comes to light.
There will also always be irresponsible drivers who may cause injury to others on the road, especially cyclists. However, that does not mean people should give up on this recreational hobby.
Instead, learn from these best practices, as they will help keep you protected while riding your bike. Here are the best bike safety guidelines.
Wearing a helmet is a must. In fact, it’s the law in California; cyclists 18 or under are required to wear a helmet, and any passengers who are 5 and under must wear a helmet, as well.
Even if you and your family members are over the age of 18, it’s still a good idea to wear a helmet. For the sake of looking cool, many cyclists opt out of wearing one. In the event of an accident, it won’t prevent all head injuries, but it can drastically reduce the severity of them. It might even save a life.
Make it easier for motorists to see you by wearing colorful clothing. This will help you stand out while on the road, especially when lighting conditions are not great (such as in the dark or fog).
If possible, wear fluorescent/reflective clothing. This will significantly improve biking safety by increasing your visibility and help drivers spot you on the road.
Rearview mirrors aren’t just for cars. You can pick up these mirrors and install them on your handlebars so you can see who and what’s behind you at all times.
These rearview mirrors can be especially helpful for those who are just starting out with biking.
All it takes is a piece of glass or nail to puncture your bike tire and ruin your trip. This can happen anywhere, and you don’t want to be stranded somewhere.
Of course, you can’t control other people’s actions, so there may come a time when you’re in a biking accident with a motorist. In that case, working with a good bicycle accident lawyer can get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering.