Useful Bike Safety Tips From Bike Accident Lawyers

Bike Safety Tips All Riders Can Use

People ride bikes for all kinds of reasons. Some ride because they are an environmentally friendly alternative to cars, and others ride simply for the pleasure and health benefits. No matter what propels you to get on a bike and ride, it’s important to remember the fundamentals of bike safety so that you can get maximum enjoyment out of your bike without needlessly putting yourself in danger.

At last count, approximately 12.4 percent of the American population biked regularly. With so many bikes on the road, accidents are bound to happen. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 857 cyclists were killed in the United States in 2018. Minnesota happens to be the third-safest state to cycle in—according to the League of American Bicyclists—but cyclists here must use safe riding practices too.

If you get into a biking-related accident, getting in touch with a bike accident lawyer is a good idea. Another’s negligence may have caused the accident, entitling you to just compensation.

Never Ride Without A Helmet

This is the most fundamental of biking safety tips, yet it’s also the one most ignored. Minnesota state law does not mandate helmet wearing, so seeing riders without helmets won’t be uncommon here. Wearing a helmet should be an inseparable part of bike riding whether it is mandated or not. Research has long shown that wearing a helmet can reduce head injury risk by 70 percent and fatal head injury risk by 65 percent. Wearing a helmet also reduces the risk of suffering a bad facial injury.

Always Keep Your Bike In Good Working Order

Bike maintenance is important whether you’re a casual rider or someone who bikes routinely. Always make sure your bike is in good working order before hitting a road or trail. Here are some key maintenance tips:

• Keep tire pressure at the recommended level.
• Make sure the brakes work.
• Make sure the lights work.
• Make sure the chain is not obstructed in any way.
• Make sure there’s nothing caught in between the spokes.

Know Hand Signals So You Can Communicate With Other Drivers

Most bicycles don’t have turn signals, which means riders have to use specific hand/arm signals to indicate their intentions on the road. Vehicle users are also expected to know what these signals mean. View a list of the most important signals.

Wearing Brightly Colored Clothing

Cyclists should always wear brightly colored clothing, even when riding during the daytime, so they’re visible to motorists, other cyclists, and pedestrians.

What To Do If You’re In A Biking Accident

Bike safety is important, but sometimes accidents happen even when all proper precautions are taken. Sometimes, these accidents are caused by the negligence of someone other than the rider. If you get into an accident while riding in Minnesota, reach out to our bike accident attorneys. We’ll help you file a bike accident case so you get the compensation you deserve.