A lot of people choose to use a bicycle to commute to work. It is a fantastic way to get around; it is a cost-effective way to exercise and reduce your carbon footprint in this world. Cycling, however, comes with its hazards, as well. To keep you safe, here are some biking safety tips you should learn.
Know Your Route
Traffic can be unpredictable, and it can get heavily congested during rush hours. It is important to know your route when you cycle, so you can learn if there are any available cycling lane you can use. A quick journey could easily become dangerous and stressful if you take an unfamiliar and heavily congested route. It’s best to look for a good route online and memorize it before you head to work.
Wear the Right Gear
You need to make sure you are wearing the right gear when you are on a bicycle. Don’t forget to always wear a helmet. Another thing to note is to wear reflective clothing. Many cyclists assume that they are visible, but there may be car drivers out there who cannot easily see them. Many bicycle-related accidents happen in low light and dark conditions, so it would be best to buy some reflective clothing to avoid that.
Use Signals
If you want to commute safely on your bike, then you need to start using signals. Since bikes do not have turn signals like cars or motorbikes, you need to learn about the basic road biking signals and make it a habit to use them. You cannot assume the way you are positioned on the road is enough to let other motorists know that you’re about to turn or stop — you need to make your intentions clear. It is fine to slightly exaggerate your signals and always make sure you check over your shoulder before changing positions.
Do Not Go in Front of Pedestrians
People are unpredictable and jumpy, which is why you should not attempt to pass across people. There are times where you may want to pass a walkway on the road, but people are not sure if they should walk straight ahead or wait for you. A good rule of thumb to follow is to let people go in front of you by signaling them. That way, you can avoid any confusion and frustration.
Be Ready for Accidents
Even if you stay safe and abide by the rules and laws, accidents can still happen, so you need to be ready. If you were to get into an accident while on your bicycle, make sure you take photos of your injuries and the scene. You should also get the contact information of anyone involved in the accident. If you feel like you were the victim in the situation, you should look for a bicycle accident lawyer in Kent or wherever the accident occurs to represent you.
You must stay safe while you ride a bicycle. Remember all the tips above to keep your daily commute safe.
