Bicyclists are increasingly taking on the streets, which means the accident rate between bikes and motor vehicles has increased. From bike-sharing systems to people buying bikes for environmentally friendly commutes to work, drivers of cars must always be aware of bicycles on the road. Cyclists must also be extremely cautious in traffic. After all, in a car vs. bike scenario, the vehicle is likely to win.
This outcome would mean the need for a Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer. Unfortunately, drivers often lose their patience when it comes to a much slower bicycle in their path, and they will sometimes take unnecessary risks for the sake of getting to the destination sooner. There are several ways to be safer as a cyclist when riding in traffic.
Equip Your Bike With a Horn and Lights
If there is a chance that you will be riding your bike in the dark or even in rainy weather, you will need a bright headlight at the front and a flashing light at the rear. These lights will help significantly make you stand out on the street. The United States does not require a bell or horn on bikes as many countries do. However, a loud horn can prevent bad accidents when you need to get someone’s attention.
Employ Reflective Materials and Bright Colors
Consider wearing bright colors when you ride. Anytime sunlight is not bright, it is helpful to have reflectors at various points on your bike and to wear reflective gear. A motor vehicle’s headlights will reflect them so that you will be much easier to spot. It can also be beneficial to have a brightly colored bicycle. A bicycle accident lawyer will suggest that anything to make yourself stand out can help you be seen and avoid accidents.
Ride With Vehicle Traffic
As a cyclist, you must ride with the motor vehicle traffic flow. Riding against the flow can cause an accident because you would be coming from the wrong direction; drivers turning onto the road would not see you. In addition to riding with the flow of traffic, you must follow all of the road rules just as if you were driving a motor vehicle.
Be Aware of Car Doors
Especially in on-street parking areas, cyclists must be aware of people opening their car doors as they pass. A door can open in the blink of an eye, and often motor vehicle drivers are too preoccupied to remember to look out for cyclists who may be riding closer to parked cars than other vehicles.
Make Eye Contact
Just as watching fellow drivers when you’re in a car is vital, making eye contact with drivers as a cyclist can be even more critical. Make sure the drivers who could approach you see you before you cross the street or turn. If in doubt, wait for the vehicle to pass first.
Wherever you are cycling, a scary scenario can happen in a mere moment. Many drivers of motor vehicles don’t consider looking out for smaller forms of transportation, and it is easy to overlook a bike. In case of a mishap, a bicycle accident lawyer can help you get what you need to get back out on the road
