Safe Cycling Tips to Protect You on the Road This Summer

Cycling can be one of life’s most exhilarating activities. Yet if you fail to pay attention to basic safety protocols, you can quickly find yourself on the pavement or in the dirt, victimized by a brutal crash.

Most dedicated cyclists have a crash story or two, or at least a near miss. It’s not an experience that any of us are looking forward to repeating.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some simple yet effective steps you can take to minimize your risks on the road.

  • Keep your bikes well-maintained — and pay particular attention to the brakes, gears and chain. If these systems fail, you could be in serious trouble.
  • Use a high-quality helmet. We only get one brain, so we need to be very careful with it. A well-made (and just as importantly, well-fitting) helmet is one of the most impactful things we can do to protect ourselves.
  • Pay attention to parked cars. Open door crashes are some of the deadliest (and sadly, most frequent) types of collisions in cycling. Hitting a door that opens unexpectedly can launch you into the air at great speed.
  • Work under the assumption that drivers cannot see you, even if they can. Why? Because texting while driving is at epidemic levels. It’s also a deadly risk to cyclists.
  • In the same vein, don’t text or use your phone while biking. This is also dangerous. Whatever it is can wait until you pull over.
  • Headphones, also, can limit your ability to maintain situational awareness.
  • Pay close attention to the conditions. If roads are slick, give yourself more time to stop. Reduce your speed.
  • Watch for animals appearing in the road. They can sneak up on you just like an open car door can.
  • A nice pair of bike gloves can improve your grip and help you negotiate poor weather conditions.
  • Keep an eye on what’s beneath you. Pavement cracks, rocks and other ground hazards can quickly lead to a crash.

By following these ten safety tips, you can minimize your odds of suffering a crash — and maximize your odds of enjoying many beautiful summer bike rides.

Finding the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he accepts. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

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