Crosswalks, sidewalks, and paved roads have an increasing amount of traffic every year. Due to the carelessness of both pedestrians and cyclists, the number of bicycle accidents continues to rise each year. There were more pedestrian and bicycle deaths in 2015 than in other years in the past two decades. This is according to the Tennessee Traffic and Safety Commission. For this reason, it is important that cyclists know how to ride safely, especially in traffic to avoid accidents and death due to cycling accidents. Below are tips for riding a bike in traffic.
1. Know and Obey the Traffic Laws
The bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle in Tennessee. This is to mean that they have the same rights to roadways and, must therefore, obey traffic rules if an accident is to be avoided. The laws of traffic include:
It is important for every cyclist to know these traffic rules and obey them whenever they are cycling at any given point in time.
2. Know How to Handle Hazards
Hazards on roads include railroad tracks, potholes, grates, rains, sand, gravel and leaves. These, if not properly maneuvered, can result into fatal accidents.
If a cyclist can avoid these hazards, then he or she reduces the chances of being involved in a cycling accident.
3. Beware of Opening Car doors/ Parked Cars
Some crashes occur when motorists open doors of a packed car in front of an overtaking bicycle. To be safe, a cyclist should ride no closer than three feet to a parked car, and should watch out for signs that a motorist wants to move into traffic.
4. Be Extra Careful When Cycling at Night
A higher percentage of fatal cycling accident occur at night owing to the fact that motorist’s ability to see what is ahead is limited to the area illuminated by headlights, and their visibility is further reduced by the glare from lights of oncoming cars. To cycle at night, one must use additional lighting and reflectors. Use of leg lamps or any lights that cause motion is also advisable. When a car approaches from the rear at night, watch your shadow as it is cast by its headlights. If it shifts, it means the motorist has spotted you, if not, you should move out of the way.
5. Have your Safety Equipment on When Cycling
Safety equipment reduces the fatality of injuries in case an accident does occur. Wear your helmet when cycling. Gloves provide protection for hands in case of a fall and cushion them from handle bar vibration. Having a rearview mirror can help you keep track of traffic approaching from behind. If you have been involved in an accident as a result of negligence by another driver, you can seek legal recourse from a personal injury attorney.
