3 Dangerous Spots for Cycling in Residential Areas

 

Every city has a slightly different biking environment, and that extends to the local laws and ordinances at play. Some cities require bicyclists to stay on the road if they’re over the age of thirteen. Some cities allow and even prefer,  sidewalk cycling in specific areas. But even if you’re well-versed in your town’s preferred cycling routes, the pedestrians and drivers around you will be less prepared. Be extra vigilant in these three locations:

1. Neighborhoods with front-facing driveways.

Whether you’re on the road or on the sidewalk, front-facing driveways are a unique hazard. People reversing out of their homes may have checked the road for other vehicles but not for bicycles. There are also more obstructions, such as the neighbors’ driveways that prevent visibility if around cautious drivers. If you’re on the sidewalk, you also need to look for cars that are parked over the sidewalk’s path. Under most circumstances, you have the right of way. But be cautious and, in the event of a collision, take note of the specific circumstances.

2. Intersections.

Opportunities for uncertainty are the most dangerous when you’re on a bike, and that’s true even in neighborhoods. If you see an intersection approaching, slow down and check if it’s a four-way stop or if one direction is a through lane. If you’re on the sidewalk and next to a car that’s waiting to turn in front of your path, try to establish eye contact and communicate who will go first.

3. Neighborhood exits.

Luckily, many drivers are vigilant in neighborhoods because they are less surprised to see bicyclists. However, once drivers are turning onto a major road, that passive expectation fades. The most dangerous sidewalk position is if you’re going against the flow of traffic near an exit point. Drivers look left to check for approaching traffic, and that includes glancing at the sidewalk. They’re much less likely to check the sidewalk to the right.

Being cautious while biking keeps you safe, but it doesn’t remove drivers’ responsibility to do the same. If you’ve been in a collision, contact the Law Office of Gary Brustin for a plaintiff attorney who can help.

4 Tips for Choosing a Safe Route for Riding Your Bike

 

When it comes to bicycle safety, it’s not just important how you ride your bike, but also where you ride it. Here are some tips for riding your bike in the right places.

Choose a Quieter Route

If there are two routes, one which crosses many busy intersections and another that goes on side roads, take the one that goes on the side roads. It might take you slightly longer to get to your destination, but it’s worth it. And hey, you’ll get some more exercise and enjoy a quieter ride and better scenery.

Ride at the Right Time of Day

It’s not just where you ride, it’s when you ride. Obviously, riding at night should be avoided if you can ride at day instead. However, there are times of day when traffic is a lot heavier and people are in a rush to get to their destinations. If possible, ride at a time of day when people are at work and the roads are quieter.

Be Careful On Narrow Roads

When riding on roads that are very narrow and barely allow for a car to get through, exercise caution. If possible, avoid them. This is especially true when there is no grass or woods where you can drive into in the case of an emergency, such as if there is a wall.

Don’t Ride Right Next to Curb

You don’t want to ride in the middle of the road, but riding right next to the curb is wrong too. First of all, all the gravel, gutters, potholes, and debris will make for a shaky ride. There may be obstacles that force you to swerve unpredictably into the flow of traffic. In addition, you have no leeway in case you need to get out of a car’s way.

For legal help in case of an accident, contact us right away.

6 Bicycle Safety Tips Every Cyclist Should Know

 

Are you an avid bike rider or just getting started? Bike riding is beneficial in many ways. It is also an affordable alternative to cars. Here are some bicycle safety tips for safe riding.

Use a Bell

It’s not just enough to use lights and reflective gear. You need a bell as well. This can help you warn people in front of you who are in your path.

Use Google Maps

Google Maps has an option for cyclists. If you need to get somewhere on your bike, you can use Google Maps to find a good route. However, memorize your route beforehand. Do not look at your phone while you are riding your bike.

Use a Saddle Bag

Use a saddle bag that can be attached to the back of your bike. If you don’t have such a bag or basket, you will end up hanging grocery bags from your handlebars, which can interfere with your riding.

Have an Emergency Kit

Just like you should have a spare tire in your car, so should you have a spare tube and other extra stuff you might need, such as some tools and a patch kit. Keep these stuff in your saddle bag.

Watch Out for Car Doors

If you are riding next to parked cars, be extremely careful. Car doors opening on cyclists is a common cause of bike-related injuries. You also have to watch for cars pulling out. It is best to maintain enough distance from the parked cars so that you don’t have that risk.

Have a Phone and ID With You

You should always carry around your phone and ID with you. This will help people identify you and contact your emergency contacts in case anything happens.

In case of an accident, get legal help immediately. Contact us today for more information and professional guidance.

 

6 Simple Tips for Safer Cycling

Bicycles are a great way to get some exercise, have fun, enjoy the weather, and get around affordably. However, it is important to ride safely. Here are some tips for safer cycling.

Make Sure It Fits

Get a bicycle that actually fits you. The saddle should be not too high as that your feet can not pedal properly and not too low, which will hinder your pedaling. It should also be the perfect distance away from the handlebars so that you can control your bike properly. The handlebars also have to be the right height.

Ditch Those Headphones

Listening to music is relaxing, and listening to podcasts is informational, but they should not be done while riding your bike. You need to be able to hear sounds from vehicles, pedestrians, and other cyclists.

No Phone Either

Don’t text and drive your bike. Don’t even take it out for a peek. If it’s an emergency, pull over to a safe place before taking it out. It is a good idea to put your phone on silent so that it doesn’t distract you when it rings or vibrates.

Use Both Hands For Safer Cycling

Always use both hands when riding your bike. This will help you steer better. In addition, it will help you avoid jerky turns, especially when unexpected obstacles appear. It will make braking easier as well.

Don’t Be Unpredictable

Always ride in a predictable manner. Don’t swerve suddenly out of the path you were going. Cars that are driving behind you may not be able to turn so quickly. That’s why you need to be on the lookout for potential obstacles so that they don’t surprise you.

Wear a Cap

If you are going to be riding directly in the sunlight, a cap may help improve your vision. A glaring sun can make it harder to see what is in front of you.


For legal help in case of an accident, contact us.