Bicycle safety has always been important, but lately with the increased encouragement to use bikes as your main mode of transportation, it’s more important now than ever.
But, before you start gearing up, here are 5 important safety tips to keep in mind.
Be visible and stay alert. While this is of course important in general, it is even more pertinent for bicyclists. Bikers are not as obvious and mainstream on the road as cars are, so it is up to the biker to ensure that they are extra visible. Being alert and always focusing on the road and your surroundings is crucial.
Obey all traffic laws. This includes stopping at red lights when cars do and signaling when turning and changing lanes. Just like motorists, bicyclists are traveling on the same road and thus subject to the same liability.
Always ride to the right, but not too far right. Bicyclists should always ride to the right of the road as a general rule of traffic. But, to avoid conflicts with right-turning vehicles or hitting the curb or parked cars, make sure that it is not so far that you lose your balance or make unsafe contact.
Never drink and bike. Not only is it dangerous, but it is just as illegal as drinking and driving. It may seem like a great alternative to driving, when you plan on drinking, but in many states, bikes are considered vehicles just as cars are. This means that you could be subject to the same penalties as any standard DUI.
Related Resources:
- Citi Bike Share Program Launches With 6,000 Bikes Across New York City (The Huffington Post)
- Bicycle Laws (FindLaw)
- Bicycle Accident Basics (FindLaw)
- 4 Bike Laws to Gear Up for Bike to Work Day (FindLaw’s Law and Daily Life)
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