Riding a bicycle is a good way to get around while providing a great form of exercise, but making it home safely is paramount.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has some basic safety tips that can help to keep people on bicycles safe. It is imperative for motorists and bicyclists to remember these since it takes everyone on the road to ensure that bicyclists remain safe. Everyone should be considerate of others on the road, regardless of their mode of transportation.
Choose the right gear
What you wear can impact your safety while you are on the road. Wear bright colors that make it easy to spot you. Always wear your helmet so that your head is protected if you are in an accident. If you ride at night, put reflectors or lights on the bike so that drivers can see you in the dark. Before each ride, do a check of your bicycle to ensure that everything is in good working condition.
Bicycles ride in traffic lanes
Bicyclists should ride in traffic lanes with motor vehicles. Contrary to what some people think, they should ride in the same direction as traffic on their side of the road. Anyone on a bike should make sure that they understand the signs and signals that govern traffic on the roads because they are bound by them just like drivers.
Riding in a predictable manner
Riders have to make sure they are being predictable. Always stay in the same lane and use hand signals if you are going to make a turn. Be sure that you check for oncoming traffic if you are approaching an intersection or need to make a turn. Try to ride in a straight line so that drivers can get around you without having to guess which way you are going to veer next.
When an accident occurs
If a bicyclist is struck by a vehicle, even at slow speeds, there is a chance that the person will be injured. Seeking out medical care is usually a good idea. Emergency services will need to be contacted so the police department can create a report outlining what happened. Bicyclists shouldn’t try to let the driver go without contacting authorities because you never know what injuries might manifest later.
