How to Avoid Being the Victim of a Bicycle Accident
Bike riding is an activity that can be enjoyed by children as well as adults. In fact, children start off very young these days. Their parents will teach them with the assistance of training wheels. Adults, too, enjoy bike riding. It’s not uncommon to see a group of adults riding ten speeds or mountain bikes for exercise as well as a way to have fun in the fresh air. However, bike riding can be dangerous; especially when you begin riding in traffic. A one or two ton vehicle going even thirty miles an hour can fatally injure a bike rider. That’s why, if you plan to go bike riding, you need to be mindful of your surroundings, you need to ensure the bike is secure and safe, and you need to make sure you’re keeping an eye on any children who may be biking with you. If you do all of these things, you will be able to enjoy your bike ride without having to worry about becoming the victim of a bicycle accident. There are numerous state laws that govern the riding of a bicycle. Know these laws before cycling.
Be Aware
When you were a kid, you probably rode your bike without a care in the world. You’d jump over curbs, ride through leaf piles and you probably even tried to do tricks in the middle of the street. As an adult, however, even if you don’t do these things, you need to mindful of your surroundings. You need to be aware. Children are typically not aware as adults and that’s why they can often be subjected to danger without even knowing it. Make sure you know how traffic is flowing, how much traffic there is, be mindful of driveways where cars may be backing out from, and make sure you watch the road for hazards. Being aware of your surroundings will do a lot to help you prevent becoming a victim of a bicycle accident.
Bike Inspection
When is the last time you had your bike inspected? When did you last check the bolts, the brakes or the tires? These must be checked every time you ride. A loose bolt could cause the handlebars to come loose, which could send you flying off the bike. Loose brakes will make it difficult to stop, which could be really dangerous if you’re riding up to a busy intersection, and loose or flat tires can also pose a great danger. If you don’t know the first thing about repairing or maintaining bicycles, take your bike to a professional. You will have to pay for the inspection but that’s better than riding around with a defective bike that could potentially cause a bicycle accident.
Children
Children don’t really understand the concept of oncoming traffic or of the term “right of way.” That’s why you need to keep an eye out for them. Make sure they pay attention to what they’re doing so they can remain safe while enjoying their bike ride.
When you’re riding a bike, make sure you keep a keen eye out for any danger, make sure your bike is in tip top shape and make sure you watch out for your children. As long as you do all of these things, you will be able to enjoy your bike without risking a bicycle accident.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Any time you are involved in a bicycle accident that involves a moving vehicle, you should contact an attorney. Brad Johnson Injury Law offers free consultations, so don’t accidentally waive your rights or the compensation that is due you if you or your child is involved in an accident while riding a bicycle.