Bicycle Safety Archives - Page 5 of 13 - Gary Brustin

Is It Time To Replace Your Bicycle Helmet?

Posted on September 28, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

As your most important piece of safety equipment, it is crucial you maintain your bicycle helmet so that you can have your head protected on every ride you take. However, while it seems pretty sturdy, a helmet doesn’t last a lifetime. It needs to be replaced, and too few cyclists realize that. So when should you replace your bicycle helmet?

Have You Been in a Crash?

Some damage to a helmet is pretty obvious. If you can see cracks or splinters, then that is a pretty obvious sign that you need to replace it. However, not all damage is obvious. If you have been in a crash where you fell on your helmet, then the integrity of it could very well be compromised. In the next crash, your head may not be protected quite as well.

What’s the Shelf Life?

Believe it or not, most manufacturers put a shelf life on their helmets. Typically it is recommended to replace them every 3 to 5 years. This might be a ploy to sell more helmets, but typically age can affect the integrity of the materials. That being said, helmets are made with safer and safer materials each year as well.

Does Your Helmet Fit Properly?

This is more typical of children, but it can happen with adults too. Sometimes you just outgrow your helmet or you find that it doesn’t fit as well as it should. If your helmet doesn’t fit properly, it is definitely time to replace it since it clearly won’t do its intended job.

Bicycle helmets protect you, but not all of you. If you have been in a cycling accident and want to make sure your injuries are covered, contact us today.

How to Ride Safely in a Bicycle Group

Posted on September 15, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

When it comes to road cycling, typically riders are pretty knowledgeable about the rules. It is the drivers that tend to be less knowledgeable. However, while riding solo is pretty intuitive, riding in a group can be a much different experience. Many solo riders who group up for the first time find this out the hard way. So for the solo cyclist getting ready for their first group ride, here are some tips.

Call Out Cars – When riding as a group, there are a few blind spots. The bikes up front often aren’t aware of cars in the rear while the riders in front have first sight in cars up front. Good front and rear guards will call out cars with “car up” or “car down” respectively so the cyclists can tighten up the group structure.
Ride Two by Two or Single – When you are in a cycling group, you may feel a bit safer riding three deep because it feels like you actually have a presence on the road. However, if you start taking up an entire lane going at bicycle speed, don’t be surprised if you get some honks. Typically, you want to ride two deep so the car feels like it can pass you, but will still pass you properly by going into the other lane for safety.
Leave Car Spaces on Uphills – If you are going uphill, around a curve, or on a narrow road, spread your group so there is a car’s length space between each biker. This allows cars to pass safely in between without trying to bypass the whole group at once.

It may seem like riding in a group is safer, but no amount of cyclists will make it safe if drivers don’t know how to deal with them. If you have been in a cycling accident with a car, contact us today.

The Basic Rules of Locking Up a Bike

Posted on August 31, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Accidents aren’t the only way your bicycle can get damaged or destroyed. If you live in even a moderate-sized city, all you need to do to lose your bicycle is to leave it outside overnight without a lock. It probably won’t be there in the morning. However, if you know the basic rules of locking up a bicycle, then you can keep it safe.

First, you should buy yourself the best bike lock you can afford. A bike chain and combination lock are fine, but they can easily be cut through. A sturdy U-lock is best. Typically, to ward off except the most hardcore bike thieves, all you need to do is put the effort into locking up your bike. However, if you have a new or particularly flashy bike, never leave it locked up outside overnight.

Once you have the lock, you need to know where to lock it up. Bike racks should be your first choice, but you don’t always have the option. The next best option is somewhere that is both unmovable, but also highly visible. You may feel safer locking it up in an alley, but bike thieves are more likely to strike in places where there aren’t a dozen eyes on them at all times. Keep your bike visible and random pedestrians will keep it safe. As for where to lock it, anywhere unmovable is fine, but you need to consult your city ordinances to make sure areas like lamp posts or street signs are legal venues to lock your bike to.

While locking up your bike keeps it safe, it won’t always be safe on the road. If you have been in a cycling accident and need legal representation, contact us today.

Bicycle Safety Inspection Checklist – Read Before Riding

Posted on August 17, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Before riding your bike, it’s important that you check to make sure that all of its parts are in perfect working order. Just one malfunctioning part can have dire consequences. Here is a bicycle safety checklist to take care of before riding out.

Tires/Wheels

Do the tires have enough air?
Are there cuts or bulges in the tires? Is there a good tread?
Do the wheels spin without any problems?
Are any spokes broken?

Brakes

Do they work properly?
Do they stop the bike smoothly without sliding?
Make sure your bike does not move when the brakes are applied.

Chain

Make sure there is no rust and that the chain is clean.
Make sure the chain is lubricated.
Make sure the chain fits snugly.

Seat

Is it firm and secure?
Do you feel comfortable on it?
Is it straight?
Is it the right height?

Frame

Make sure there is no looseness in any nuts or fasteners. Make sure all parts, such as the seat, handlebars, etc are fastened tightly.
Make sure the frame is clean and without large patches of rust.
Make sure the handlebar is straight and aligned with the front wheel.

Lights

Make sure you have a red reflector light in the back which can be seen 300 feet away.
Make sure you have a white light in the front which can be seen 300 feet away.
Make sure the lights are straight, firmly attached and are working.

If you ever suffer an injury while riding a bicycle, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us immediately for legal help.

How to Ride Safely Around Pedestrians

Posted on August 3, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

For the majority of commuting cyclists, motor vehicles are the real danger. However, there are many times where cyclists are put at odds with pedestrians as well. While a crash with a pedestrian isn’t quite as dramatic, unlike with an automobile, both the cyclist and the pedestrian can get injured pretty badly. This is why it is important to know how to ride around pedestrians safely.

In many states, it is illegal to ride your bicycle on sidewalks, but even where it is allowed, it is not advised. Even when riding through the door zone, you are not quite exposed to hazards as frequently as you are on the side walk.

However, there are times when riding around pedestrians is unavoidable. Typically, the key is to go slowly while still being able to ride efficiently, and if you need to go by a pedestrian, ride behind them, not in front. When shocked suddenly, it is our first instinct to jump forward. This means if you jet out in front of a pedestrian, they may accidentally end up in your path. By going behind them, they will safely put themselves out of your path. So even if you are moving at a decent speed, there is less of a chance that you will hit a pedestrian if you move behind them.

Even if you are the master student of bicycle safety, accidents happen. It is just the very nature of the world. So even if you ride around pedestrians frequently and think you know everything about staying safe, you will probably get into an accident one day. However, if you need legal representation for your accident, contact us. The Law Office of Gary Brustin is dedicated to representing cyclists.

New Ohio Cycling Law Regarding Red Lights

Posted on July 27, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Ohio is one of the most unsuspecting states to be bicycle friendly, but with more riders taking to the road in their largest cities like Cleveland and Cincinnati, the state’s government has been forced to take notice. This has led to a slew of new cycling friendly laws including this latest one that allows cyclists to still get around despite aging infrastructure.

The problem on many city streets in Ohio is that bicycles often have a problem triggering a light change at the detector. This means that a cyclist and the cars behind them could be forced to wait until a car in the other lane triggers the change. However, with the new law, cyclists can now bypass this.

The new cycling law states that in the event of this situation if the cyclist is able to check that both directions are clear, they can ride through a red light. However, cars will still have to wait unless there is a clear malfunction with the light. This law was so desperately needed that Governor John Kasich attached an emergency clause so it went into effect right away.

Attached to the bill, was another new motor vehicle and cycling law that required motorists to give at least three feet of passing space between their vehicle and a bicycle, joining more than a dozen states that already have similar laws.

While this is great news for riders in Ohio, accidents are still bound to happen. No matter how safe a state makes it for cyclists, uninformed motorists will still be a danger. If you were hurt in a bicycle accident and need legal representation, contact us today.

General Bicycle Safety Recommendations

Posted on July 13, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Biking is generally a very safe sport, but not without some inherent dangers. Following a few general bicycle safety recommendations will dramatically reduce your chances of injury.

1. Wear a helmet.

This tip cannot be stressed enough; in many states, it is the law that you wear a bicycle helmet. Wearing a helmet is the cheapest and easiest way to stay safe on your bicycle, regardless of state laws. Also, if your helmet gets damaged in any way, it is now unsafe to use. Replace it immediately with a brand-new helmet.

2. Get regular professional bike tune-ups.

Ensuring that your bicycle is always in good shape is an excellent way to stay safe. Loose bolts, worn components, and worn tires create unsafe riding conditions and will increase your risk of an accident. Bring your bicycle into a local bike shop to get the recommended tune-ups regularly.

3. Keep your eyes open.

Be attentive to your surroundings when cycling. Constantly look at the pavement ahead to avoid any nasty potholes or curbs, and be aware of any nearby traffic. Riding your bicycle distracted is certainly a recipe for disaster.

4. Know your comfort level.

Don’t ride your bike on a busy road if it makes you uncomfortable. Practice safe riding techniques on side roads and residential streets before you attempt to ride on busier roads, and even then avoid riding during rush-hour.

These are just a few general safety recommendations bicycles. Contact us if you have any questions about filing a claim for a bicycle-related accident.

Is Bicycling More Dangerous Than Other Modes of Travel?

Posted on June 23, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Although they don’t always make the news, bicycle crashes are a frequent danger in a world dominated by motor vehicles who don’t understand how to share the road. However, as bicycling accidents are so frequent, there are some who knock the lifestyle stating that it is more dangerous than other modes of travel, but is it really?

The NHTSA published their crash facts in 2015 and found that over 800 deaths per year associated with bicycling. However, these fatalities represent less than two percent of all traffic fatalities. For some reason, bicycling seems to be over-represented in crash data, despite the fact that there is no way to measure exactly how long most cyclists are exposed to motor traffic each day, and thus, at risk.

Despite many crash statistic making bicycling out to be significantly more dangerous than it probably is, millions of people around the world engage in this healthy and typically inherently safe activity every day. Furthermore, if drivers were taught how to appropriately share the road with cyclists and major cities took more steps to make their roads friendly for cyclists, millions more people wouldn’t be swayed by the statistics to take up this mode of travel.

Unfortunately, when some look at cycling around town, all they see are the risks. The risks that change drastically depending on the time of day, location, and experience level of the rider. Just like driving a car, accidents can happen while cycling. Some cyclists have been in several throughout their cycling life, but is cycling more dangerous than driving? Probably not, and it is getting safer each day.

If you have taken to cycling and found yourself in an accident, contact us today. Gary Brustin is dedicated to representing the rights of cyclists.

Common Types of Bicycle Accidents and How to Avoid Them

Posted on June 1, 2017November 23, 2019 by Gary Brustin

While biking, it’s imperative that you not only pay attention to what you are doing, but that you pay especially close attention to what others are doing. When riding your bike on or near a roadway, it’s often easier to see other travelers than it is for them to see you, especially with the amount of distractions for motorists in this era of technology. With the prevalence of cell phones, radios, and navigation devices, you must be responsible for your own safety. The following are common types of accidents involving cyclists:

The Right Cross.

This occurs when vehicles are pulling out of a side street, parking lot, or a driveway on the right of the cyclist. You can be struck by the oncoming vehicle, or you could potentially crash into the side of the vehicle. In order to prevent this type of collision, make sure to use a front headlight if traveling at night. Try to make eye contact with the driver. If this doesn’t work, wave! Slowing down ensures that you have a better chance of coming to a complete stop if you have to. Ride further to the left of the lane when approaching an intersection. This increases the chance that an oncoming driver will be able to see you and gives you more maneuvering options in the event they don’t.

The Door Prize.

You are riding along beside parked vehicles when one of the drivers open his door, and you smack right into it! This is one of the most common types of collisions involving cyclists. Simply riding farther to the left will give you more room to avoid the unexpected car door opening.

The Rear End.

You simply swerve to the left a bit to go around a parked vehicle or some other obstruction in the roadway and get nailed by a car from behind. To avoid this scenario, ALWAYS look behind you before moving over. Secondly, don’t swerve in and out of a parking lane if it contains parked vehicles. Ride as steady as possible, even if there are empty spots. Use a mirror to help you monitor traffic behind you without constantly having to look over your shoulder, which can cause an involuntarily merge to the side you’re looking from. Finally, signal. Never move left without signaling. Holding your left arm straight out indicates that you will be turning in that direction. Just make sure to look behind you first, so that a passing car doesn’t take off your arm!

In the event of an accident, legal representation may be needed. Contact California bicycle accident lawyer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer all of your legal questions!

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.

What Are Your Rights as a Cyclist?

Posted on April 27, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

Some states have them written down, other states don’t. However, if you are a cyclist, you have certain rights to ride your bicycle. It is not illegal unless otherwise posted and drivers have to respect your right to do it. So if you have certain rights, what are they?

The rights of a cyclist include:

The right to ride on any public street except limited access expressways and areas where signs prohibit bicyclists.
The right to use either hand in order to signal a stop or turn to nearby vehicles.
The right to ride on the right side of motor vehicles in the travel lane.
Cyclists may be able to ride their bicycle on sidewalks, but only if the area is a non-commercial district and doesn’t have posted signs prohibiting it.
Cyclists have the right to ride two abreast in a lane so long as there is more than two lanes of travel in the same direction.

Unfortunately, while all those are well within a cyclist’s rights, it doesn’t always mean that it is safe to exercise those rights. The problem is that while cyclists may know their rights, many driver’s do not. This means that driver’s may take unnecessary risks in order to go around slower cyclists, even though they are well within their rights to ride there. This is how accidents happen.

While cyclists shouldn’t have to make compromises, they may need to in order to stay safe. If you were exercising your rights and got into an accident with a vehicle, contact us today. The Law Office of Gary Brustin is dedicated to representing the rights of injured cyclists.

California Law Bans Headphones for Cyclists

Posted on April 6, 2017October 8, 2019 by Gary Brustin

If you are a cyclist cruising down your regular cycling strip to work in California with your headphones on and your favorite songs blaring through them, as of the first of the year, you have officially been breaking the law. Unaware cyclists are already finding punishment over this new law that some call overbearing.

According to the Section 27400 of the California Vehicle Code, cyclists are now prohibited from wearing a headset, earplugs, or earphones in both ears, something that many cyclists do to drown out street noise. However, as many have already found out, breaking this new law will net a fairly hefty $178 fine.

While many are outraged at such prosecution of a victimless crime, there are other cyclists that realize there are victims of wearing headphones. The victim’s are the cyclists themselves. So long as they are mindful, a cyclist listening to music probably won’t end up hurting anyone. However, that also means they won’t hear any vehicles coming up behind them. This puts them in grave danger of not being able to react to a negligent motorist. Of course, there would be no need for such laws if motorists were better trained to share the road and more bicycle lanes were installed throughout major cities.

While there won’t be much fighting these fines, if you are a cyclist that has been in a cycling accident due to the negligence of those who need to share the road with you, contact us today. The Law Office of Gary Brustin fights for cyclists and their right for their share of the road.