Road Safety Rules That All Cyclists Need To Know
Bicycles are fun to ride around and convenient forms of transport to explore destinations. They do not require gas, making them cost-effective and eco-friendly at the same time. However, riding a bike on the road comes with its own risks, and thus, you should be careful when you hit the road.
Car and bicycle accidents are not uncommon scenarios in the United States. Nearly a thousand bicyclists get killed in car accidents every year. Nevertheless, following a few safety rules can protect you from hazards. If you were hit by a car while biking, you should consult with a bicycle accident attorney.
Road safety rules all cyclists need to know
- Ride in the direction of the traffic.
Riding in the same flow as the traffic is a basic road rule that all types of vehicles need to follow, and bicycles are no exception. In the United States, you should ride on the right side of the road as much as possible, unless there is a hazard.
- Follow all road signs.
Follow the signs on the road. They are there to guide you through your journey. You may come across plenty of them while you are cycling. For instance, you might find directional signages similar to the ones here at artcraft.au/electronic-and-led/. Those signs can help you to understand what lies ahead. You might also come across signs with a bicycle that indicate that motorists and cyclists share the road, and ride in a single-file fashion.
- Ride in a straight line.
When you ride your bike, make your intentions clear to everyone. Do not swerve from one side to another and annoy the other road users. Make a signal before you turn and check behind you before changing lanes.
- Do not ride on the sidewalk.
Sidewalks are meant for people to walk on foot; infact, there may even be a Steel Pipe Bollard or two dotted along the sidewalk in parts to keep pedestrians safe from the traffic on the road. In many states, it is a law not to ride your bike on the sidewalk, but one should follow it regardless of where they live. You may hurt the people walking on the sidewalk and make yourself less visible on the road. Statistics say that a car-bicycle accident is more likely to occur when biking on the sidewalk.
- Follow helmet laws.
You may think helmets as insignificant, but they are scientifically proven to save your life in accidents. While most places do not even have helmet laws for bikers, they can protect you from severe brain injuries.
- Use bike lanes wherever possible.
Bike lanes are not found everywhere, but it is advised to use them when you spot one. They help motorized vehicles and bicycles share the road safely and with fewer chances of an accident. In some states, police officers may even issue a ticket when they find you not using the lanes.
Now, there are many rules that a motorist should follow to assure the safety of self as well as of others. But even after abiding by the laws that are in place to maintain order and safety, you might be at the receiving end of a fatal accident. So, it would be wise to contact a personal injury lawyer as a contingency measure, should something bad happen.
Bicycle accidents can happen in less than a second, but their impact can last a lifetime. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially when you’re a rider in a bustling city of cars, buses and trucks, so get yourself insurance that can compensate for your losses, and help you get back on your feet if you meet with an accident.
