Bicycle Clearance Laws

Many states have laws requiring motorists to keep a safe distance when passing bicycles on the road. Where these laws exist, the distance is usually three feet. Some places require more. There’s no doubt that keeping a reasonable distance is necessary for safety. The question is how much these bicycle clearance laws help.

Inadequate clearance is a factor in a relatively small proportion of bicycle accidents. Visibility problems and reckless disregard for cyclists are bigger factors. Lack of clearance can be a cause of rear-end collisions, which are especially likely to cause serious injury. Fortunately, this type of accident isn’t very common.

Enforcement is another difficulty. How often will a police officer notice that a car is passing a bike too closely? If the officer does notice, how likely is the incident to result in a ticket? The law is most likely to come into play when there is an accident. Failure to maintain required clearance can help establish that a motorist is at fault.

What is sufficient clearance?

Intuitively, the distance required for safety should increase as the speed limit goes up. However, country roads with lower speeds can be the most dangerous. They often have poorly maintained shoulders, and a cyclist may need to swerve to avoid a pothole. If a car is passing too closely, this could have deadly consequences.

Cyclists shouldn’t cling to the very edge of the road to maximize clearance. Doing that gives them nowhere to go if they encounter a bad spot in the pavement. They’re actually safer if they have some buffer space toward the edge, even if they’re closer to vehicles.

As with many situations, laws by themselves aren’t enough to make people safer. Motorists need to be aware of bicycles in the road and give them a safe berth. Cyclists need to stay as visible as possible and avoid unpredictable behavior. Clearance laws serve as a reminder, but they may not do much more than that.

If you’ve been involved in an accident while on a bicycle, contact Mr. Brustin to find out what your options are.

 

Avoiding Neck Pain While Cycling

Cycling is a great way to get around and is excellent exercise. However, people are not designed to ride a bicycle in such a way as to avoid neck and other pain. According to Cycling Weekly, people who ride bicycles for any protracted length of time are courting something called Shermer’s Neck. The constant jiggles and vibrations that you can experience starting at the handlebars and translating through the arms to the back, neck, and shoulder muscles on long bike trips can translate into neck pain unless you are very careful.

Tips for Preventing Neck Pain While Cycling

One way to prevent neck pain after a long bicycle trip is to pay attention to your position while you are riding. The key to avoiding neck pain while cycling is to properly situate your handlebars. If you must reach too far to grip your handlebars, the vibrations that translate up your arms and shoulders can result in neck pain after a trip of any duration. Make sure that you can reach your handlebars easily and that they are of the proper height. That way your arms will not be over-extended. You should also not grip the handlebars too hard while riding your bicycle.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, you develop neck pain after a long bike trip anyway. Fortunately, as a story on KABC in Los Angeles reports, a number of exercises exist that will help to alleviate any pain you might experience before you hop on your bike to go for a long-distance ride.

Use a soft foam roller across your back, arms, and chest for about ten minutes after you conclude your ride. The procedure has the same effect on a bike rider’s body as stretching exercises do for a runner. The roller will release a lot of accumulated stress, making you loose and flexible enough for a stress-free bicycle ride.

For more information contact us!

 

Why Pedaling Fast Doesn’t Make You Go Faster

High cadence – it is something that a few cyclists took away from Lance Armstrong. You watched him pedal his little heart out to win, and for many that translated to pedaling fast makes you go faster. However, what trips up many recreational cyclists is you don’t need to pedal like a maniac to go faster.

Are There Benefits?

If you are purposely trying to get in a high intensity workout while cycling, then by all means, pedal as fast as you can. However, a new study by the International Journal of Sports Medicine shows that there is no benefit to high cadence pedaling. It doesn’t make you go faster, it does, however, make you less efficient and work to tire you out faster.

It was discovered that while the power decreased with each pedal, which was to be expected, it pushed the body higher towards the maximum more quickly and more quickly tired out the muscles, making them less efficient. As for what actually produces the best speed for cycling, that comes unique to each rider. It is suggested that reaching top speeds is all about finding what is comfortable for each person as well as what is sustainable for their bodies.

Tips and Tricks

If your legs are struggling, go to a lower gear and increase the cadence. However, if you are left gasping for air, you will want to bring the gear up and slow down that cadence. Often the key is about being in tune with what is giving out and then adjusting your bicycle accordingly. It is not about just riding in one gear forever. If you want speed and peak efficiency, you need to know when to switch it up.

Accidents Happen

Unfortunately, with top speeds comes a risk for accidents. If you have been injured in a cycling accident, contact us today to see what we can do to get you compensation.

Is Your City Bikeable?

If you ride in your city, you may think it has pretty decent bikeability. After all, you get around alright. However, not every city that people ride their bike in is considered bikeable. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has a checklist for local riders to access the bikeability of their town.

This checklist covers items like whether or not lights register for bikes, if drivers behave appropriately around bikes, and even the basics of whether or not there are bike paths to ride on. This can help riders access the true bikeability of any local area. Furthermore, it also works to point out problems that we might not have really taken stock in, such as a lack of really safe places to secure a bike or too many scary dogs that harass riders.

Making Your City More Bikeable

Unfortunately, your local area, like many, will probably score pretty low. The good news is that the checklist can be a good way for local cyclists to identify and address problems. The checklist even adds on ways that you can foster healthy change in your community.

Yet, even by knowing what you need to change, it can be difficult to foster healthy change, especially by yourself. If you are an avid bike rider in your town, you may want to find, or even start, a group of like-minded individuals that can help show your local government that, yes, there are cyclists in your city and they want a safe and friendly place to ride.

Unfortunately, even if you are able to make a positive change in your community, change often comes slowly. Until less bikeable cities become better, they pose a risk for those that do ride the roads. If you have been injured while riding, contact us today. The Law Office of Gary Brustin is dedicated to representing the rights of injured riders, and we want to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

10 Safety Tips for Rural and Suburban Road Cycling

Whether cycling for fitness or just for enjoyment on a nice day, road cycling can be fun and rewarding, but sharing the road with automobiles is not risk-free. The following ten safety tips, while applicable for urban commuting or riding as well, are specifically geared toward rural and suburban road riding, where the benefits of reduced congestion can correlate with the dangers of less attentive drivers. 

1. Claim Your Lane

Recognizing the danger that passing automobiles can pose, many road riders move as far right as the road allows. Most of us are now familiar with bike lanes which are generally located on the right shoulder. All this points to treating the white line and the shoulder as the place to be on your road bike, right? Wrong! The key is visibility. “Claim your lane” means when riding on an empty road you should be LEFT of the white line, in the lane of traffic.

Doing this accomplishes two things: 1) you greatly increase the chance that an approaching driver will see you because you are more in their line of sight, where they expect things to be; and 2) you put that driver in a position in which the oncoming lane has to be clear to allow them to pass or they’ll have to wait until it is. Imagine yourself all the way right on the shoulder as a car (or a big rig!) approaches from behind. Not only is that driver less likely to notice you all the way over there, but assuming they do, they may decide that there is enough room to get around you with cars approaching from the opposite direction. Maybe (hopefully) they’re right, but suppose they realize part way through this maneuver that there isn’t enough space. Would we expect them to swerve left into oncoming traffic, or right into the much smaller and slower cyclists?

Claim your lane until you have strong evidence that relevant motorists are aware of your presence (such as them slowing dramatically as they await a chance to pass). Once you’re confident they know you’re there, you can then use your discretion in moving right to make passing easier, but make sure not to invite them to try and pass with oncoming traffic. Claim your lane thoroughly at all intersections, just as motorists do. If there is a line of cars at a stop sign, cue up just like another car. 

2. Have a Mirror

The most dangerous motorist is the one approaching you from behind that doesn’t see you, so better you see them. Mirrors are made to be mounted on your helmet, your glasses or your handlebars. They are fairly inexpensive and can be purchased at most bike stores or from countless online vendors. You’re out there to enjoy the ride and maybe work on form and fitness. The peace of mind derived from being aware of what is approaching from behind by just moving your eyes a slight bit, without breaking stride or changing posture, is priceless.

3. Wear Highly Visible Clothing 

Again, the key is visibility. If a driver never sees you, how can they avoid hitting you? The most critical article is your outer torso layer. Bright colors are a must, with safety orange or yellow being the best. If you don’t want to buy separate sleeveless, short-sleeve, long-sleeve, and cold weather bright tops, you can get a brightly colored lightweight vest to go over whatever you’re wearing to best meet the conditions. 

4. Obey Traffic Laws

Bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws that govern automobiles on public roadways (with few exceptions such as being prohibited from limited access highways, and some jurisdictions establish additional bicycling regulations). So, stop at all stop signs and red lights, make left turns from the left turn lane (and signal your turn), stay right of the center line, follow posted speed limits, etc. If you can get your bike going faster than the limit, you could be cited for speeding. Cyclists are not permitted to use crosswalks or sidewalks any more than are motorists. (A person walking a bicycle is not a cyclist; they are a pedestrian.)

5. Use (Safety) Equipment Properly

Safety dictates and the law requires that bicycles operated on public roadways have reflectors (red on the rear, white on the front). If your bicycle somehow came without these (or the more likely, you were too “cool” to leave them on there), you can get them from any bike dealer. They are inexpensive and very easy to install. Or, if you want to be even more visible and don’t mind paying a little for it, there are many electric lights (with different power source options available) that can easily be mounted in place of the rear and/or front reflector. AND ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET! We’re trying to avoid getting hit or hitting the ground here, but were the worst to happen, protecting that brain is priority number one. In addition, check your equipment before heading out, paying particular attention to brakes and tire condition. Dry-rotted tires can blow out and tend to do so when subjected to greater forces such as high speeds, sharp turning, and heavy braking (in other words, at the worst possible times). 

6. Be Prepared and Provisioned

Contingencies have a way of presenting at the least opportune times, so best to be prepared. In preparing for a road ride of any length make sure you have the following with you: ample fluids and calories to last the trip (and then some, just in case things run long), basic bike tool set or multi-tool, tube repair kit (and/or a spare tube) and a pump, cash money and a credit card, identification/driver’s license, and a cellular phone. 

7. Know Your Route/Roads

Plan your route ahead of time, considering both how far you want to ride as well as the quality and expected traffic levels of the roads along your route. Obviously, when possible you want to avoid heavily traveled roads and congested areas, generally avoiding U.S. and state routes (depending on how rural the location). Roads with lower speed limits are often safer. Map your route exactly and if you’re not completely familiar with the route, consider taking with you written directions or a map (especially if you can’t rely on having cellular service for the duration of the ride).

8. Practice Safety in Numbers

Aside from all the other reasons friends can make us safer, on road rides the more bodies the more visible the whole group. (So I guess maybe they don’t even have to be friends at the start of the ride.) If you don’t have a group with whom to ride, most bike shops organize regular group road rides or at least can direct you to community groups that do. And if (most) everyone has a mirror there can be constant communication about all the cars approaching from both the front and rear.

9. Know the Weather

Nobody likes riding in inclement weather and numerous hazardous conditions can be introduced such as slick roads, reduced visibility, and high winds. Check the forecast for the entire area and period of your intended ride (and then some, again, in case things run long). Not only are you looking to avoid inclement weather (especially precipitation), but check the winds and route accordingly. Strong headwinds can greatly reduce efficiency and make those last miles really drag on. If you choose to ride in significant wind, when possible, ride out into the wind so that your return trip can be assisted by a tailwind.

There’s not much worse than riding out for half of your allotted time to find as you turn to head home that you’re going to be fighting a headwind the entire way, thereby ensuring you won’t be making it home on time.   

10. Know Your Limits

When planning your route, make sure what your getting into is well within your strength and stamina limits. Don’t even push up to those limits, as there is no way to control for everything. An unexpected detour or a sudden shift in wind direction or speed can add significant time to your ride; best to have something left in the tank at the end of the ride as opposed to bonking with ten miles left.

These safety tips are listed in order of priority but are not meant to be all-inclusive. Rather, they address issues specific to road riding in rural and suburban environments and, as such, deliberately leave out more general cycling safety concerns such as proper bike fit and pre-ride stretching. For more safety tips or (worst case scenario) legal advice in the event of injuries resulting from a cycling accident, please contact the Law Office of Gary Brustin.

Fix-it-Tickets: New Bicycle Helmet Law

New California Law

California Highway Patrol has always been advocates for the safety of all forms of transportation, for all ages. Yet, they are now making efforts to increase the safety for children. While those of any age should be riding safely, there is a new law designated for those under the age of 18. This new California law (AB-3077) provides all law enforcement with the ability to write a “fix-it-ticket” to those under 18 who doesn’t wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, skateboard or skates. 

Fix-it-Tickets

The fix-it-tickets designed to encourage minors and their guardians to get a safety helmet – within a reasonable amount of time. “Fix-it-tickets” are unique because they are arranged to be correctable. This “fix-it-ticket” is correctable if the minor gets a helmet and completes a bicycle safety course within 120 days of that ticket being issued. The violation of this is an infraction punishable with a fine of up to $25. This does also fall onto the parent or legal guardian of the minor. This provision is jointly liable. 

The helmet must be within safety standards meaning it is the correct size for the child’s age and head size. It should fit snug to provide safety in the occurrence of a fall or other accident. Bicycle safety courses that can be completed are very informative about bike safety for all ages. 

Bicycle Safety

When laws like this arise, it is only done for the protection of the minor. These laws work to keep everyone safe on the road together. Often times kids (and adults too) might not feel a helmet is necessary. Helmets protect from traumatic brain injury during an accident. Serious brain injury can occur even when traveling at low speeds. Along with increased safety, there is another positive note about laws like this arising – Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are recognizing the significance of all forms of transportation. 

Feel free to contact The Bicycle Lawyer about California laws and bicycling.

Does Your Helmet Actually Protect You in an Accident?

Helmet Testing

In the United States, helmet testing is still using techniques and guidelines set in 1999. This means they are about 10 years old at this point, and what we know in 10 years can change a lot. The truly unfortunate part is that the testing that these helmets undergo doesn’t even accurately mimic the type of impact that actual cyclists undergo in an accident. They prevent fractures in terms of direct impact, but direct impact to the head on a bicycle is typically not what happens in an accident. Instead, you likely rely on the rim of the helmet more for protection, something that isn’t tested.

The Protection You Need

So how do you know if your helmet will actually protect your head in an accident? If you are concerned, what you want to look for is a helmet that advertises that it is MIPS-equipped. MIPS, or Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a rather new technology but allows the head to slide and twist slightly inside the helmet to actually reduce the amount of impact that can be caused in a trauma.

If you are using an urban-style helmet or a very old helmet, it is time to upgrade. With luck, you won’t need to find out how good your helmet is in an accident. However, wouldn’t you rather have a good one just to be safe?

Accidents Happen

If you have been in an accident, you likely won’t walk away from it unharmed. If you have been in a cycling accident and need help, contact us today to see what the Law Office of Gary Brustin can do to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

Is a Vest Air Bag The Bike Safety Feature of the Future?

B’Safe’s Vest Air Bag

Typically you don’t see a lot of cycling innovation at CES, but this year, alongside its other technological marvels, B’Safe company showcased their vest air bag made specifically for cyclists. This vest comes in two parts, the electronic unit mounted to the saddle to pick up signals and an inflatable vest to protect the wearer.

How this B’Safe product works is that the saddle mounted unit features an accelerometer that detects sudden shocks, like from being hit. It also uses a motion sensor to detect other accidents that don’t involve being struck, but cause the rider to fall off their bike. Once either of these sensors are triggered, it causes a replaceable CO2 cartridge to inflate an airbag located throughout the vest in under 80 milliseconds. The vest also runs on a battery that needs to be recharged every seven days. The battery is activated when the vest is zipped, and turned off when the zipper is undone.

This vest cradles the chest and back areas from impact and injury. When used in conjunction with a helmet, it provides safety to all the crucial parts of the body. However, now comes the downside. Right now, this safety system is priced at $700, which is quite a price to pay for safety. While the vest does serve as an extra layer of protection and allows better visibility on the road, it may take a few price drops before this system catches on among cyclists.

Accidents Happen

Even if you can afford the expense of increased safety, if you get into an accident, your damages and injuries should not be your responsibility if the accident was due to the negligence of another. If you have been in a cycling accident, contact us today to see what we can do to help you get the compensation that you deserve.

 

Study Shows Cars Pass Closer to Cyclists Wearing Helmets

Bicycle Safety

Everyone knows that wearing a helmet helps keep you safe in the event of a cycling accident, but one study shows that wearing a helmet may also make cars feel safer around you. Unfortunately, that’s not really a good thing.

Cyclists Wearing Helmets

The study, originally conducted in 2007, has been the topic of much debate over the years, but it has finally been solidly reaffirmed and published in Accident Analysis & Prevention. The study conducted originally followed a psychologist that road the same stretches on his bicycle with a concealed camera and a ultrasonic sensor. Over 200 miles of riding and 2,355 encounters with cars with and without a helmet, he found that on average, cars passed around 3 to 5 inches closer when a rider was wearing a helmet. He also found that cars gave the widest berth to women on a bicycle without a helmet, which he tested by wearing a wig on some rides.

This study is problematic for cyclists and the cycling community that continues to be divided on the issue of helmets. Should you take this as an excuse to not wearing your bicycle helmet? Probably not. While the closer pass distance makes accidents more likely, the lack of a helmet while riding will make any accident more devastating.

A Solution?

Ideally, the solution to this would be for more states to pass mandatory safe distance passing laws for motorists and make sure they are enforced. However, when the passing distance is in a matter of inches closer, even law enforcement couldn’t enforce that. As such, this just adds another branch to the fire in the  eternal debate in the cycling community on whether helmets make riders safer or less so.

Cycling Accident

Have you been in a cycling accident? If so, you were likely subject to substantial injury, and you deserve compensation to cover those medical bills. If you want representation for a cyclist – by a cyclist – contact us today to see what Gary Brustin can do to help.

Bicycle Safety Tips: How Much can you Safely Carry on a Bicycle?

Using your bicycle as a primary mode of transportation will eventually require you to haul things. Whether it is only a few bags of groceries or even larger cargo, you’ll need to ensure the stability of your load as well as your safety. Knowing what your capacity is will help you prepare-here are some guidelines for staying within your limits.

Weight Capacities can Vary

There is no one particular weight capacity that works for everyone. Several factors will play a role, including your age, fitness level, the type of bike you are riding, and local terrain. If you have other riders or are pulling a trailer, this will affect how heavy your load can be as well.

Long distance cyclists may carry around 100 pounds of gear with them. Mountain and cargo bikes on the other hand are capable of hauling between 300 and 600 pounds over very short distances. Subtract weight when riding uphill or traveling on a standard, recreational bike.

Avoid Awkward Loads

Weight is not the only thing you must be concerned with. Very light loads can also become a safety issue if they impair your vision or cause you to ride in an awkward position.

Improperly secured loads might also come loose and create a traffic hazard. Never try to ride while holding onto cargo, but instead make sure that all items are properly fastened before taking off.

Test Drive your Load

The biggest indicator of load size is how you feel when carrying it. Before heading out, take a short test spin to verify that:

  • You are not straining to carry your items
  • The bike does not wobble or become difficult to control
  • Nothing shifts when you start, stop, or turn the bike
  • You can fully access all controls
  • Cargo does not block your vision or make it difficult for passing motorists to see you

Injured While Carrying Cargo? You may Require Legal Assistance

Bicycle injuries are more likely when riders are carrying cargo than at any other time. If you were hauling a load and were subsequently injured, you could need advice from an attorney. Please contact us to discuss your concerns.

Bicycle Safety: Choose the Right Size Bicycle

Bicycle safety requires you to remain in control of your equipment at all times. That’s difficult to do if your model is either too big or too small. Choosing the right size two-wheeler is easy if you follow these tips.

Based Largely on Height

When choosing a road bike, start with the right size frame. The one you select will largely depend on your height. For example, if you are around five feet tall you would need a frame between 13 and 15 inches. On the other hand, you might need a 20″ model if you are approximately six feet tall.

Size charts are helpful, but the real test comes from “trying on” the bike. You should ideally be able to place your feet flat on the floor while straddling the top tube. You’ll need between one and two inches of space between the top tube and your crotch for maximum comfort.

Top Tube Length

The length of the top tube will affect how far you have to lean over the handlebars. The distance is usually a matter of personal preference, but can also depend on your torso length. One formula you can use to get you in the ballpark is to add your torso and arm lengths together and then divide by two. After you have gotten that number, subtract six to discover the ideal tube length.

Make the Necessary Adjustments

You are not finished once you have found the right size bicycle, as you will also need to adjust the seat height, pedals, and handlebars. Once you have completed the necessary adjustments, go for a test spin to make sure everything is just right before you head out on an extended ride.

Having the right fit does make you safer on the road; however, it cannot guarantee your complete safety. Bicycle accidents can happen even to the most meticulous riders. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, please contact us.

 

How Effective Are Bicycle Lights in the Daytime?

Bicycle Safety

A cyclist concerned about safety wouldn’t dare go out after dark without their bicycle lights on, but there is still much debate on the use of lights during the daytime. On one side, there are those that say that bicycle lights during the day are a waste. The light, for the most part, is lost to the ambient light of daytime. Alternatively, there are those that insist that the use of blinking red lights during the day prevent accidents.

There are sparse studies on the subject matter. One study out of Denmark in 2013 states that of those cyclists that used lights during the day, they had 19% less accidents than those that did not use lights. Of course, there are also those that say that the results were contributed to by other outside factors, something that was very possible.

There is also the potential for distraction. Bicycle lights can be distracting and obnoxious to both drivers and other riders. Does being obnoxious make you safer or are distractions a recipe for disaster? For now, as there is no law in any state requiring bicycle lights during the day, it is up to the rider’s preference. If they believe that lights during the day make them safer and they can remember to change the batteries as frequently as needed, then light it up! However, for those riders that find them a nuisance, then there is no need to change.

Bicycle Accidents

Lights or not, bicycling accidents will still happen. If you are an injured cyclist, then you deserve compensation, especially if the accident was not your fault. With cycling accidents, you want both a lawyer skilled in personal injury cases, but as a cyclist, you probably want someone who understands your situation. Luckily for you, Gary Brustin is both. If you have been hurt as a cyclist, contact us today and let a fellow cyclist come to your aid.