Fall is the perfect time to get outside and what could be a better way to enjoy the season than a bicycle ride. When on a bicycle, a rider not only gets to take in the sights but also gets to feel the cool, crisp autumn air blowing on their face. Whether you are biking for pleasure or as part of your daily commute, it is important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind every time you go for a ride. Biking on trails or paths is very different from sharing the road with cars. A car-bicycle crash often has serious outcomes for the rider. To make sure that the only thing that gets your heart pumping is the big hills this autumn, keep these safety tips in mind:
- Plan your route carefully. People often make the mistake of taking the same route they would go in a car on their bike. This can be problematic because this often means selecting busy streets with fast-moving When planning your route, it is important to remember avoidance. While cars and bicycles need to share the roads, they are not equals. A car-bike crash is always worse for the rider of the bicycle, so it is often best to avoid riding with cars whenever possible.
- Follow the same rules as cars. Since there are far fewer bicycles on the road than motor vehicles, it is important as a rider to follow the same rules that cars have to follow. This includes coming to a complete stop at stop signs, signaling all turns, and obeying all other traffic laws.
- Make sure you are visible. Fall temperatures may be perfect for However, the shorter days can make riding more perilous. Darkness is a huge enemy for riders. Most motorists in car-bike crashes report not having seen the bicycle in time to avoid the crash. Reflective apparel and gear can help increase your visibility to motorists.
- Pay attention. Riders like to use bicycling as a way to unwind and unplug at the end of the day. While it is okay to ride for stress relief, it does not mean that a rider can not pay attention to the road. Riders must constantly be aware of their surroundings.
- Do not trust drivers. When you the car the car in front of you or behind you remember that you do not know them or how respectful they are to cyclists. To be cautious, do not trust any motorist to do the right thing. If you assume that motorists can see you and will stop or not turn in front of you, it could make a deadly assumption.
- Ride like you are invisible. Every time you go for a ride, do so with the idea that you are invisible to motorists. By thinking of yourself as invisible, you will take more steps to be seen and in turn, make yourself more visible to motorists. Since you are invisible, you may need to ride down the side of the road or slow to a stop at an intersection.
If you or a loved one was seriously injured after being struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle, the experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. can help. Our skilled team of Kansas City Injury Attorneys will make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you are entitled to. You can trust the Kansas City Injury Attorneys at Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. to help you as they have helped countless injury victims around the area, in both Kansas and Missouri. Contact Hubbard & Kurtz, L.L.P. today at (816) 472-4673 to schedule a consultation.