With springtime weather coming, more and more people are ready to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. One popular American hobby and form of transportation is cycling. As fun, effective, and earth-conscious as riding a bike may be, it is not a risk-free activity. On the contrary, 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2018, according to a report by the NHTSA. Ranging from traumatic brain injuries to bone fractures, the injuries from bicycle accidents can be devastating.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. While a lack of driver awareness is part of the problem, many car-bicycle accidents are caused by cyclists’ risky behavior. In order to mitigate risk, cyclists on roadways must take responsibility and abide by the same rules of the road that drivers follow. Additionally, learning key bicycling safety tips may reduce the rate of accidents and save lives. Follow these simple do’s and don’ts to help your family stay safe during cycling excursions.
Do: Wear a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is the first essential safety rule of bike riding. Be sure to wear a properly-fitted bike helmet on all rides. In 2017, the International Journal of Epidemiology analyzed 40 separate studies and found that helmet use significantly reduces the risk of head injury. Be aware, however, that wearing a helmet does not completely eliminate risk; for example, helmets have been found to be more effective in protecting against skull fractures than against concussions. So following additional safety best practices is crucial in ensuring a safe ride.
Do: Follow Road Rules
When drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians share the road in compliance with traffic laws, everyone is safer. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in your state and municipality, then follow them. These rules include going with the traffic flow (rather than against) and obeying traffic signals, signs, and lane markings. Think of yourself as a driver; you have a similar level of safety responsibility.
Do: Watch Out for Cars Making Turns
Whether the car is turning right or left, a driver making a turn is less likely to see you than is a driver stopped at a crosswalk. If a turn results in a collision, the cyclist is likely to suffer catastrophic injuries as a result. So beware of drivers making left or right-hand turns in front of you. When in doubt about whether the driver sees you, it is always better to slow down or stop than to speed up.
Don’t: Ride Without Reflectors at Night
Being seen by others on the road is crucial at all times, but for cyclists this problem tends to be most significant in the evening. In fact, an NHTSA study found that bicyclist deaths occurred most often between the hours of 6 and 9 pm. If you must ride at night, be sure to have reflectors on your bicycle (white lights on front and red rear reflectors) and tires. You should also wear something reflective on your person, such as reflective tape or flashing lights. Wearing bright, neon colors is a good idea at any time of day, and, contrary to popular belief, wearing white does not make you more visible.
Don’t: Assume Drivers Will See You
Due to a variety of factors ranging from speed to light visibility conditions, drivers often don’t see cyclists. As the smaller, slower, and more vulnerable vehicle, it’s up to you to make sure you are seen. Remember, just because you can see a driver doesn’t mean the driver can see you. In addition to riding with reflectors, you should make eye contact with a driver before crossing in front of them (even at stop lights), to check whether they are going to stop.
Don’t: Ride on the Sidewalk
With the exception of children under the age of 10, bicyclists are generally safer riding on the street than the sidewalk. Drivers aren’t usually looking for moving traffic on sidewalks, so they are less likely to see a cyclist riding there than on the road. Additionally, cyclists on the sidewalk may startle or injure pedestrians, in the event of a collison. And while on the road, cyclists should make sure to ride in the same direction that cars are driving, which will help drivers be able to see and react to them appropriately.
In conclusion, there are many things cyclists can do to practice safe riding. In addition to following these safety tips, make sure to practice your cycling skills similarly to how you would hone your driving skills: watch for road hazards, use hand turn signals, stay alert, ride predictably, and never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.