February 25, 2016
Chances are many of you are already thinking about where to go biking this spring. There’s a lot that traditionally goes into planning a trip but trail safety and surviving biking accidents are generally not two of them. However, they most certainly should be on every traveling biker’s mind. The same case may be made for regional cycling laws and bicycle insurance policies because they all have the potential to impact a person’s trip.
With that said, before loading up the bike and setting cross-country, be sure to do your due diligence. Find out what the bicycle laws are in your chosen destination and whether or not the trails are maintained. Remember, not all states have bicycle transportation accounts and bike-pedestrian plans like our state does. So in some distance locations, finding safe, clean trails that are open to visitors may be challenging to say the very least.
Next, take a second to dig out your homeowner’s, renter’s or auto insurance policies and give them the once over. Find out what coverage exists if you are hit while cycling out of the state as well as what would happen if an accident occurs in transit to the trail heads. If you’re not happy with the coverage, update it well before your cycling vacation starts and keep meticulous records of the changes.
And let’s not overlook bicycle theft. Check for that type of coverage too because hotel thefts seem to already be on the rise. Last year’s well- publicized, World Cycling Championship related theft is a prime example of what could happen. Thankfully that story ended well for the cyclist but such incidents don’t always turn out that way.
Finally, keep in mind that if a biking accident does occur, there are California attorneys that may be able to help. To learn more about protecting your rights no matter where your bicycle wheels may roam, please contact us today. As ardent cyclists and lawyers, we’re in a unique position to provide advice.