Bicycle Safety 101: Tips for Cyclists and Drivers

There are plenty of benefits to riding a bike: It is a great way to stay in shape, appreciate the world around you, save money on gas, and reduce your impact on the environment. Thankfully, a lot of people are now thinking of cyclists. There are bike-friendly communities, special parking areas for bicycles, and other conveniences to reward cyclists.

Unfortunately, safety is still an issue, and it’s up to everyone on the roadways to decrease the risk of preventable accidents for bicycle riders. Follow these tips for motorists and bicyclists alike to help keep cyclists and drivers safe.

Everyone Is Responsible for Keeping Bicyclists Safe

Whether you are a cyclist or driver, keep these tips in mind:

• Be prepared for anything
• Don’t drive or ride while distracted
• Make safety a priority
• Know traffic rules and laws
• Share the road respectfully

No matter who you are, it’s important to follow basic common-sense rules.

Safety Tips for Cyclists

When you’re riding a bike, follow these safety tips:

• Ride single-file and in the direction of traffic
• Stay vigilant for hazards like opening car doors, don’t hitch onto cars, and know your bike’s capabilities
• Use hand signals to communicate your movements
• Wear bright, reflective clothing, ride during the day if you can, and put reflectors on your pedals, spokes, and the front and rear of your bike for visibility
• Get a horn or bell and rear view mirror or bright headlight
• Take care at intersections and look left, right, left again, and over your shoulder before entering traffic
• Wear a properly fitted helmet, even if it’s not required by law

Safety Tips for Drivers

When you are in a car and sharing a road with cyclists, remember to follow these rules:

• Give cyclists the right-of-way
• Be patient: They can’t move as fast as traffic can, but they have the same rights on the road
• Communicate with cyclists clearly by using your turn signals
• Give cyclists plenty of space to maneuver
• Bikes are small and easy to miss, so pay extra attention to mirrors, blind spots, passing lanes, and intersections
• Look for cyclists when parking next to a bike lane

Contact an Indianapolis Cyclist Crash Lawyer Today

Whether driving or riding a bike, being on the road is unpredictable. If you or a loved one have been injured on the road, you are urged to contact the attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. An experienced personal injury attorney from WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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