In this article, Aaron Crane, an experienced personal injury and car accident lawyer in Phoenix, will be discussing bike riding safety tips. Riding a bicycle is an excellent activity for physical fitness and for reducing stress. Imagine riding down the street on a gorgeous sunny day. However, it is important to remember that bicycles can result in serious injury and even loss of life. One of the best ways to avoid being in any type of cycling related accident is to consider a few quick and basic cycling safety tips. For example, dynamic stretching before any workout is a great way to warm up muscles and tendons and reduce strains and sprains.
Safety Equipment
By wearing bicycling safety equipment; cyclists can protect themselves and perhaps prevent or lessen injury when a fall or collision does occur. Disastrous head injuries and serious broken bones can happen during accidents at low speeds when protective gear is not worn. It is essential to wear the right type of protective gear. From elbow pads, a good fitting helmet and gloves. This safety equipment can be the difference between some scrapes and a broken bone. Regular cyclists should also invest in reflective lights and clothing, so they can do everything possible to be seen by motorists when riding. Pay special attention to shoes because the right shoes ensure that firm contact is made between the rider and the pedals. Lastly, the clothing that is worn during bicycling should be thoughtfully chosen. A cyclist must be mindful that loose clothing does not become entangled in the gears of a bicycle. It is also important that a cyclist wear light or bright colored clothing, so they can be seen on the road.
Bicycle Matching
Another aspect of good bicycle safety is to make certain there is a good fit between the cyclist and the bicycle. A professional bicycle shop can help a rider find the right bicycle for their particular body type and level of activity. By riding a bicycle that has not been properly sized, a cyclist puts themselves at risk for an accident. Riders should take the time to be professionally measured to ensure they choose the right size and type of bicycle for their needs.
Bicycle Maintenance
Lastly, a cyclist should take the time to inspect their bicycle before and after each ride. Faulty equipment or a component close to failure on a bicycle can easily be detected in a typical routine inspection. In addition, a cyclist should make adjustments and repairs as necessary to ensure a bicycle operates at peak performance all of the time. This is particularly important for the brakes on a bicycle. In difficult circumstances, well-maintained brakes can be the difference between a scare and a catastrophic injury.
Follow the Law and Cycle Defensively
It is essential to know the law for cyclists in an area before a ride. Follow the laws, the signs and the signals during a ride to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Generally, it is important for groups of riders to ride single file and not block motorists anymore than necessary. This also allows a group to watch each other’s backs and help the group ride defensively. Being a defensive rider is never assuming the right of way. Cyclists should always be cautious and observant. Watch for potholes and parked cars that might have doors that open suddenly. Defensive cyclists can often avoid many accidents just by being aware of their surroundings at all times.
Following these safety tips combined with wearing compression garments, riders can avoid or lessen many accidents. However, if an injury should occur please contact Cantor Crane for a Phoenix bicycle injury lawyer who can help.
