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.

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.

 

Safe Cycling for a Fun Way to Stay Fit

As we get older, eating healthily, exercising regularly, and trying to stay fit has become more important. I know; every day, adulthood seems more and more like a synonym for doing things I don’t want to do. But, exercise doesn’t have to be one of those things.

Riding a bicycle is not just a fun way to stay fit and fight disease. Choosing to ride a bike instead of driving a car for short-distance trips saves money on gas and is good for the environment. 

Because it’s fun to be out in the sun, admiring the predictable randomness of nature, wind whipping at our ears, cyclists are more likely to finish their exercise in a better mood than the average gym rat. And the nostalgic feeling of coasting down a hill, relaxing, hands free, leaned back, confident in the laws of physics, is a feeling that beckons cyclists to frequent their vehicle and their routine.

The production of serotonin, the chemical in our brain that creates happiness, is positively related to duration spent in sunlight. Exercise produces serotonin, too, and aerobic exercise, like cycling, is proven to produce higher levels of serotonin than other forms. Riding outdoors in the sunlight is not only a delightful experience that doesn’t require one to talk herself or himself into but an exercise that is proven to be a deterrent of disease and mental illness.

Cycling is a low-impact exercise, causing less compressive strain than running or even walking. Cycling can be an easy exercise with low stress—perfect for beginners and people who are recovering or rehabilitating—or a fast-paced, demanding workout. Riding bicycles builds muscle, stamina, aerobic fitness, and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Bicycles can effectively replace a variety of tools and machines.

Advanced cyclists agree that the most effective way for a beginner to exercise is by performing sets, or repetitions, of low-intensity and high-intensity intervals. Following expert tips like these can ensure a cyclist’s safety and efficiency. 

1. Do sets. 

As a cyclist progresses, she or he will increase the number of sets done in one session. This is set that can be used by both beginners and advanced cyclists: two minutes hard, two minutes easy, one minute hard, one minute easy, 30 seconds hard, 30 seconds easy, 15 seconds hard, five minutes easy.

2. Explore. 

Many people go to the same gym or the same trail every day. One of the great benefits to    bicycling is that it can be done almost anywhere: the woods, neighborhoods, parks, sidewalks. By exploring new areas, cyclists feed the desire for adventure, making boredom an obscure relic.    

3. Safety first! 

Get good gear. This doesn’t mean that a bicycle has to be expensive or even new, but it is important for a cyclist to have reliable equipment. Every cyclist will need these things: helmet, pump, basic toolkit, and a water bottle.

4. Learn basic maintenance. 

Flat tires are a common occurrence for cyclists, and, while annoying at first, eventually, become a quick-fix that’s as second-nature as riding a bike. Experts recommend practicing changing tires at home, rather than frustrated on the side of a trail. Before embarking, a cyclist should perform a routine checklist to make sure every piece of equipment is working properly: wheels, chain, brakes, all of which can be maintained with minimal tools and training.

5. Ride in a pack. 

Riding with a group of friends is a great way to learn to keep a good, steady pace. Plus, time flies when you’re having fun, there’s safety in numbers, two heads are better than one, and all that.

The most important things for any beginning cyclist to remember are to be safe and to have fun. The benefits to cycling are seemingly endless, and the most difficult thing for a beginner is to start something new. Humans are creatures of habit, but, once our feet find comfort on the pedals, all kinds of adventures become apparent, and setting out on them becomes easier and easier. 

If you or someone you care about has been injured while cycling, contact Gary Brustin, “the bicycle lawyer.”

 

Do You Have These Essential Cycling Safety Skills Mastered?

 

Often bicycling accidents are caused by motor vehicles who don’t really know how to share the road with a cyclist. Often motorists that have accidents with cyclists have never ridden a bicycle on a busy road and don’t know how to react or who has the right of way in many situations. However, it is not always the motorist’s fault, sometimes a cyclist can contribute to accidents by being more novice at road riding.

This is why before you head out onto the road, there are three cycling safety skills that you will want to make sure are on point by riding on less populated roadways. These cycling safety skills include:

Riding a Straight Line

We all know that sometimes it is fun weave a little bit while on a relaxing ride. However, when sharing a busy road with a number of cars, there is never a time for that. You want to make sure that when you ride on the road, you keep your bike straight so you don’t accidentally veer out of a bike lane or onto a curb. This is particularly important with starting off from a dead stop since swerving can be pretty accidental, but deadly, at these times.

Looking Back Without Swerving

It is a general rule that where your body goes, your bike goes. This means if you look back, your bike is likely to swerve with you. It is crucial to survey the road while driving, and this means checking your blind spots. You need to make the effort to train your body and hands to keep the bike steady when checking over your shoulder.

Controlling Speed

Many busy city roads feature downhills that would be really quite fun if there wasn’t a stop light at the bottom of them. When road riding, you need to be very aware of your speed and limit the increase of speed you get from downhills if there is a chance you need to stop at the bottom of them to adhere to traffic laws.

Have you been in a cycling accident? Whether it was the fault of another or you contributed to it, as a cyclist you may be entitled to compensation to cover your injuries. If you have been in an accident and need representation, contact us today.