May 2017 | | Gary Brustin

CityConnect – The Augmented Reality App for Cyclists

Posted on May 25, 2017November 23, 2019 by Gary Brustin

There is no denying that cycling is a greener way to travel, but not everyone can keep an interest in it for a prolonged amount of time. Well, the creators of CityConnect at the University of Bradford mean to change that.

CityConnect is an augmented reality app that is created purely for cyclists in order to try to enhance the cycling experience by adding in elements of game playing. Naturally, one of the primary concerns is safety. The creators tried to combat this by making safety a key aspect. Players are rewarded for following traffic laws and acting responsibly while reckless cyclists have points taken away. However the app does also include points of interest on the ride which can be just as dangerous. Like texting and driving, cycling and trying to look at your phone can make you blind to the dangers in front of you.

However, this app still hasn’t entered its first stage of testing which is scheduled for a traffic-free cycling area. However, hopefully they can work out the kinks and potential hazards of cycling with an app on. However, even if they don’t, as long as cyclists use it in cycling-only areas, it could be an excellent excuse to go ahead and get out there.

Have you been in a cycling accident and suffered an injury? Don’t just sit there and be a victim, you have every right to be on the road as everyone else. If you want to make sure your rights are fairly represented, contact us today. Gary Brustin is dedicated to preserving the rights of cyclists.

What Every Cyclist Should Check before Hitting the Road

Posted on May 18, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

When it comes to bicycle safety, not only do you need to know how to stay safe on the road, but a big part of that is making sure your bicycle is safe to ride. By performing a simple pre-ride check each time you are getting ready to head out can make sure that you are as safe as can be.

A pre-ride check should include:

Check tire air pressure and add air as needed for an easier ride.
Check the tread on your tires to make sure they are not completely balled. This should also include checking for any debris stuck in the treads that could cause a flat.
Check that the wheels are secured tightly and the quick releases are secure so that the wheels don’t come loose while riding.
Check the brakes to make sure they are grabbing. Make sure they are grabbing the rims of the wheels and not the wheels themselves as well to prevent wear and sudden flats.
Compress and release suspension to make sure it is working properly.
Check your chain for dryness and add lube if needed.
Spin the wheels looking for wobbles. If wheels are wobbly, make sure to get them trued.

The above may seem like a lot of steps, but they can actually all be done rather quickly. By doing this pre-ride check every time, it is just one more variable of bicycle safety to remove. However, if you have been in an accident, you shouldn’t have to suffer it alone. If you need representation to make sure your rights aren’t stomped on, contact the Law Office of Gary Brustin today.

Three Skills to Master Before Road Cycling

Posted on May 11, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

There is a reason that you hear about bicycling accidents in the city so often. It is because road cycling is one of the most dangerous things a cyclist can do. The honest truth is that very few drivers know how to deal with sharing the road with a cyclist, and it is that lack of knowledge that gets cyclists hurt. While drivers should work to educate themselves, so, too, must cyclists work to prevent accidents. Before even getting on the road, you should be a master of these three skills.

Riding a Straight Line

It sounds like common sense, but we have all had to ride behind that sloppy and unpredictable cyclist at some point. You don’t want to bethe cyclist in the bike lane that is weaving all over the place not only because it can weave you into traffic, but it puts other cyclists at risk of hitting you.

Looking Back Without Curving

You know how sometimes when you look back your entire bike moves with you? Well, when you are one slight swerve from being in front of a car, you definitely can’t let that happen. It requires some practice, but you need to know how to observe your surroundings without causing your bike to veer in any direction.

Control Speed

It is easy (and super fun) to pick up speed on a bicycle, but when you are riding a busy road, you need to focus on being able to stop quickly and safely avoid any obstacles. You better believe you will have something unexpected happen almost every time you get out there, too.

Have you been in a bicycle accident and need to make sure your rights are represented? Contact a California bicycle accident lawyer today, we fight for the rights of cyclists.

3 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Bicycle Helmet

Posted on May 4, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Around three-quarters of all bicycle-related deaths are caused by head injuries, which is why it’s not just important to wear a helmet, it’s important to wear it correctly. Here are some helmet safety tips for a safe bicycle ride.

Keep It Fastened Securely

In the case of an accident, your helmet needs to stay on at all times. If it slips off easily and leaves even a small part of your head exposed, then it won’t be effective in the case of multiple head bumps (for example, a car bump and a road bump). Before riding out, make sure that your helmet is fastened strongly to your head and that it doesn’t move easily.

Make Sure Your Bicycle Helmet Meets Safety Standards

You want a helmet that does its job, not one that will impress your friends. Don’t choose a bicycle helmet that has all sorts of fancy stuff sticking out or one with too many holes. You want a smooth helmet with as much foam as possible to protect your head. You also need to make sure that your helmet meets the CPSC’s safety standards, so look for their sticker inside.

Keep It Comfortable

Make sure that your bicycle helmet lets your head cool off and provides a good air flow. It also needs to fit comfortably, not affect your eyesight and not cause any discomfort, which will affect your concentration. You might also want to consider getting a bright-colored helmet for additional visibility.

In the case of a bicycle accident, get legal help immediately. Contact a California bicycle accident lawyer so that you get the full compensation that you deserve.