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One of the good things to come out of the stay-at-home orders is that more people are willing to get outside in forgotten methods. As we see more people outside, we see many more pedestrians and bicyclists than previously. So how can you make sure that you’re safe when riding your bike around town? If it’s been a while since you biked around Cincinnati, then brush up with these bicycle safety tips and tricks. Make sure that you’re always following the rules of the road and meeting the expectations of safe bicycling. In addition to all of these guidelines, you should always check to make sure that your bike is in tip-top shape before going out for a ride.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, you should contact an experienced personal injury attorney in Cincinnati right away.
Bicycle Safety Guidelines
Wear The Right Attire
It really goes without saying, but you should make yourself visible. Motorcyclists have enough problems riding because drivers tend to “look past” them as if they weren’t there at all. It’s even worse for bicyclists who don’t have a vehicle making a fair amount of noise. You’re a ghost to drivers, they don’t see you, and they don’t hear you either.
Wear equipment that grabs attention. You can opt for the traditional crossing-guard vest, or just wear bright colors. It’s a great time to get in on the holo trend. But you can also put reflectors and lights directly onto your bike to help with visibility too.
Don’t Ride At Night
No one really has anywhere to be at night right now anyway, and some cities are enforcing curfews. If you normally ride at night, then you already know to wear reflective gear and keep an extra sharp eye out for vehicles. During this time, when drivers are speeding through streets that are normally gridlocked, it’s better to just stay inside.
Use Proper Protective Equipment
The National Safety Council urges all bike riders to use a properly fitted helmet. It’s also a good idea to wear protective clothing or pads to help deter injuries in the event of a fall. While most people give up on elbow and knee pads after childhood, they can certainly help you reduce road rash.
Getting a good fit on a helmet is difficult. You can review the fit yourself, although you should go into a bike shop as soon as they open to have a professional look at your helmet’s fit. Your helmet should sit snugly two finger widths over your eyebrow line. It should not move at all, but also shouldn’t be so tight that it’s uncomfortable. The “V” that runs on either side should encompass your ears perfectly, and the buckle should sit right under your chin.
Know The Bikers Rules of the Road
We’re not talking about Sons of Anarchy style bikers here. Nope, regular old bicycle riders have rules of the road to follow too. In fact, Cincinnati has made it really easy for bike riders to keep up with their part in following traffic trends and laws with a pocket guide. Of course, in an e-format, every guide is now a pocket guide.
This guidebook helps bicycle riders understand how and why certain traffic laws exist for bike riders. What are the essential rules of the road for bicyclists?
- Every bike rider must obey all rules of the road, including right-of-way and lights.
- Cyclists must ride with the direction of traffic.
- Bicyclists must ride as close to the right of the roadway as possible.
- Bike riders must signal when turning.
Of course, there are many other rules and guidelines, as well. Read through the pocket guide for Cincinnati bicyclists to ensure that you’re compliant with these standards.
What Happens if You Get Injured? — Start Your Claim with a Personal Injury Attorney in Cincinnati
Riding a bike always comes with risks, especially when you’re riding with traffic. You can take all of these bicycle safety tips and implement them and make sure that you’re doing everything to protect yourself and still get in an accident. To that extent, if something does happen, a local Cincinnati personal injury law firm can support you through your claim.
At Young, Reverman & Mazzei, you can get reliable support from experienced attorneys. Our team focuses on working towards getting the compensation needed to resolve your medical bills and help you recover from other economic losses. We also look for ways to help you recover from your non-economic losses. Some injuries from bicycle accidents can drastically change a person’s life and lead to years or even decades of pain and suffering. Call us to start your fight for rightful compensation today.
