Bicycle Safety Tips

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Bicycle Safety

The warm weather has finally arrived in Illinois. Along with that warm weather comes warm weather activities. One of the most popular is bike riding. Many people take advantage of the summer months to commute to work or as an alternative to hitting the inside of the gym. Unfortunately, the warm weather also brings an increase in bicycle accidents and injuries.

According to national statistics, there are more than 700 people killed in bicycle traffic accidents each year. Another 50,000 are injured. And although you may think that the most vulnerable age group to bicycle accidents are children, the average age of bicyclists who are killed is 45. Additionally, most fatalities occur between the hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. So how can bicyclists protect themselves from being in a bicycle accident?

Wear Brightly-Colored Clothing

One of the most common reasons why bicycle accidents occur is because the vehicle driver just did not see the bicyclist. Wearing clothing that is bright will help you stand out more, and increase the chances of driver visibility. It is also critical to wear reflective clothing if you are riding your bike after dusk.

Equip Bike with Reflectors and Lights

With regard to riding at night, you should also make sure that your bike has reflectors and lights so drivers can see you at night.

Follow Illinois Rules of the Road

People who ride bikes in Illinois need to follow the rules of the road—rules that Illinois has put in place and are also followed by motor vehicle drivers. You are required to follow traffic signals and signs, as well as yielding the right-of-way when it is required.

Ride in Designated Bicycle Areas when Possible

Bicycling popularity has been recognized by many communities, leading to municipalities creating designated bicycle lanes and/or areas. It is much safer for you to ride in those designated areas when they are available instead of driving directly on streets where you are competing with motor vehicles and pedestrians for space.

Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

The most common types of injuries from bicycle accidents include brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and facial injuries. Depending on the severity of the injuries, a bicycle accident victim may have expensive medical bills to deal with, as well as financial issues due to not being unable to work because of those injuries.

If you have been injured in a bike crash, contact a seasoned Orland Park bicycle accident attorney to discuss what your legal options may be for your pain and loss.

Sources:

www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a143.pdf

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists