Riding around traffic can be dangerous for cyclists. They do have a legal right to share the road, but they are at a significant disadvantage when considering the size and weight of the vehicles around them.
As such, it’s important for cyclists to know how to stay safe. With a mindset that is focused on safety, they can reduce the odds that they will be injured in a crash. Nothing can prevent it entirely, as there will always be negligent drivers, but these tips can certainly help.
Top 10 tips
The next time that you go out to ride your bike around traffic, whether you’re commuting to work or just getting some exercise, keep these tips in mind:
- Always wear a helmet.
- Ride with traffic on the right side of the road.
- Always obey traffic lights and stop signs.
- Wear brightly colored clothing and consider reflective clothing for nighttime rides.
- Install headlights and tail lights on your bike.
- Do not listen to music while riding.
- Use bike lanes when possible.
- Obey speed limits and maintain safe following distances.
- In groups, ride in single file.
- When around pedestrians, consider using a horn or a bell.
Additionally, just watch out for drivers who aren’t aware of how to share the road. For instance, some drivers will pass far too closely when there isn’t space in the lane for both the bike and the vehicle. Other drivers will open their doors into the bike lane, potentially dooring a cyclist.
There are many different ways that cyclists can be injured by these negligent drivers. Those who have been hurt need to know how to seek financial compensation.