Cycling is one of the best activities that anyone can take up. Whether you are practicing to compete in the next bike marathon, or you’re just hoping to get a breath of fresh air and spend your afternoon doing something productive, it is a fun sport to enjoy. This sport comes with endless health benefits: it can help improve your cardiovascular fitness, boost your flexibility, increase your muscle strength, promote joint mobility, reduce stress levels, and more. Unfortunately, while cycling is one of the most accessible and popular sports, it’s also among the most dangerous. Bicycle accidents are very prominent in different parts of the world, especially in countries where residents use bikes during their day-to-day lives. However, there are some things you can do to stay safe without giving up the outdoor activity as a whole. Read through this article for ways to stay safe while riding a bicycle.
Helmet First
When it comes to cycling gear, helmets are not something that you should take lightly. Many people underestimate the power of wearing helmets. What they don’t know is that they could save cyclists and other athletes, such as equestrians and hockey players, from fatal head injuries, and potential deaths. Statistically speaking, according to The Guardian, wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of getting seriously injured on a bike by 70%. Head traumas and injuries are the top reason behind lethal bicycle accidents. When looked into, it was found that 97% of cyclist road accident victims don’t wear helmets.
Reflective Clothing
The dangers that come with riding a bike on the road drastically increase at night. With no tail lights or a way to establish your presence to other cars on a pitch-black road, chances are, you may get into a fatal accident. Try to cycle during the day, or at least be sure to bike around well-lit roads and neighborhoods. If you decide to cycle at night, you should always wear reflective clothing materials regardless of the road conditions. Keep in mind that the most common cause behind these accidents is a lack of visibility, especially at intersections. It would also be helpful to install reflectors on your bicycle.
Plan B’s
While prevention is always better than seeking restorative options, having a plan B is always a good idea. Realistically, you can never eliminate the possibility of getting into an accident, no matter how many protective and safety measures you take. Because road crashes are always overwhelming and financially, mentally, and emotionally draining, understanding all your options beforehand can keep you prepared. The lawyers at https://bestbicycleaccidentlawyer.com/case-results/ suggest that you consult a legal expert who can fill you in on what to do in case you get into an accident. They can also explain several settlement options, giving you insight into the estimated compensation you may be able to receive. Exploring bundled bicycle and health insurance options is also necessary.
Biking Signals
If you’re not an avid cyclist, you may be surprised to learn that there are bike hand signals that you must use. Another issue with bikes is that they lack lights that aid you in signaling your turns. Other drivers can’t anticipate your next move, and doing nothing to inform them of your intentions can result in a tragic crash. Before you get on a bike, you need to educate yourself on the different hand signals and how you can use them. This can help you communicate with other drivers and give them fair warnings. When you use these signals, make sure that you do it clearly and effectively.
Pretend You’re Driving
If you are traveling around, most other people are typically vehicle drivers, not cyclists. It makes sense that cyclists and drivers think differently. This is because, unlike car drivers, cyclists can easily pass in between different cars, cut across various lanes, and potentially neglect traffic signals. However, you always need to remember that you may not be as visible to other drivers when you do these things. You may also catch them off guard; try to act just like you would if you were driving a car. This way, you and everyone else will be on the same page.
Cycling is among the most entertaining and advantageous sports that you can partake in. Whether you are cycling for fun, to build muscle, or to burn fat, it is one way to start or end your day on a productive note. Since cycling road accidents are quite common, we have collected some tips on how to stay safe.
