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Tips to Avoid Bicycle Injuries

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Millions of people around the country have taken up bicycling as a hobby and a way to exercise. It is a fun, non stressful way to get in some good cardio exercise and also a way to get out on the road and experience the freedom and joy of the open air. While there are many trails and pathways that can be taken, some bicyclists prefer to bicycle on the roads, which are shared by cars, motorcycles, buses, and pedestrians. Unfortunately, like with motorcycles, bicycles are virtually invisible to car drivers and should exercise extreme caution when driving on the road. Because of this, bicycle injuries are at an all-time high, and according to the website of Joye Law Firm accidents between bicycles and motor vehicles resulted in 618 fatalities and 52,000 injuries in 2010 alone.

The standard laws that apply to motor vehicle operation generally apply to operating a bicycle and should be followed at all times. These include common sense safety rules like wearing a helmet, following all state and federal bicycle laws, and paying attention to traffic. For the purposes of the more serious cyclist there are a few additional precautions that might help preventing a bicycle accident. Remember when a cyclist crashes with a car, the cyclist will always get the worst of the accident and could have serious injuries or even death.

Never ride against traffic under any circumstances. This is a common misnomer that if a cycle is going the wrong way then the drivers will be able to view the oncoming bicycle and be able to avoid a crash. Unfortunately, most drivers are not paying that much attention nor are they likely to see a bicycle coming down the wrong side of the road. Riding on the wrong side of the road can lead to a serious head on collision, which is easily avoidable by riding on the correct side of the road. In many states it is actually the law that bicycles follow the follow of traffic and not ride against it. For more information on this and other bike laws by state BikeLeauge.org has a great interactive map that can be found by clicking here.

Never ride on the pavement which is designed for pedestrians to walk on. Collisions occurs not just between pedestrians and bicycles but also between bicycles’ and cars when the rider attempts to ride across the cross walk similarly to a pedestrian crossing. Cars are usually not on the lookout for fast travelling bikes coming across the cross walk and may miss the rider altogether. Further when a car is pulling out of a driveway or parking lot, which once again are not looking for fast riding bikes. Many places do not legally permit cycles to be on the sidewalk with good reason.

Slow down and use your arms to catch attention when you think a car has not seen you. Waving at a passing car may seem like a ridiculous thing to do but a car driver is far likely to see a cyclist who is waving and trying to catch their attention. This can be a good way to avoid an accident with a careless or distracted driver. Also, and this goes for any vehicle, slowing down is a good idea. Speed is a dangerous thing when you only have a tiny helmet and knee pads to protect you from serious injury. Way too may cyclist travelling too fast end up in serious accidents.

Remember that cycles are fun, great exercise, exhilarating, and can also be very dangerous when the proper precautions are not taken to avoid accidents. Most of these are basic common sense. An intelligent rider will take the time to become familiar with these and all safety guidelines and also read and understand their particular city or states laws regarding bicycling.

 


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