It doesn’t matter if you’re commuting to and from school, work or another destination, doing so on your bicycle can be a lot of fun.
Conversely, riding a bicycle is dangerous, as there are many circumstances that increase the risk of an accident.
As a bicycle commuter, here are five safety tips you should follow at all times:
- Watch for opening doors: You never know when someone in a parked car will open the door into your path. If this happens, you really only have two options: Strike the door head on or attempt to swerve out of the way.
- Watch for turning vehicles: A vehicle turning right may not see you, thus cutting you off and putting you in a difficult spot. Get into the habit of glancing over your left shoulder as you approach intersections.
- Don’t spook pedestrians: Make it a habit to pass behind pedestrians, as going in front of them can cause them to make a sudden move.
- Use eye contact and body language to your advantage: You should use eye contact and body language to give drivers a better idea of what you’re thinking and what you’re going to do next.
- Wear the appropriate safety gear: You should always wear safety gear when cycling, even if you’re on your way to the office. A helmet is an absolute must, but don’t overlook other types of gear, such as gloves and protective pants.
Also, there’s one last thing to keep in mind: A bicycle lane is the safest place to ride. If you have one of these available to you, this is where you should travel. It’s much safer than riding on the sidewalk or in traffic.
Bicycle commuters enjoy the fact that they can save time and money, all the while exercising on the way to and from their destination. What they don’t enjoy is the thought of being injured in a bike accident.
If you ever find yourself on the ground after a crash, call 911 for help. You want to receive immediate treatment for your injuries, as this can help prevent complications.
Once you’re on the path to making a full recovery, learn more about the cause of the crash and who was responsible. If a driver, for instance, struck your vehicle, you may be able to hold the individual responsible for his or her actions.
