Cyclists find few greater joys than witnessing car commuters stagger along bumper-to-bumper traffic while they casually pedal to work from home and vice versa. These cyclists find their joy in biking and melts their workday stresses away instead of adding to aggravations in life.
Most commuters prefer biking to avoid traffic, and that is understandable. However, it can be downright scary, thus safety concerns must be observed when riding a bike in high traffic areas.
Cars come and go, and some drivers may not be too careful. Likewise, motorists speed by as if they are cars the size of tanks. Also, pedestrians walk blindly in your path. All these happen while you navigate the road, which may often have potholes, cracks, and anything under the sun.
Key Tips On How To Stay Safe While Riding A Bike In A High Traffic Area
Although these factors are unavoidable, you can still change how you adjust to that setting by learning how to ride your bike safely and smoothly even in the worst traffic. Moreover, it is crucial to keep yourself safe when you choose to ride in high traffic areas.
Here are 7 key tips to help you stay safe while riding a bike amidst worst traffic:
Inspect your bicycle parts and equipment
Before setting out, it is important to guarantee that your bicycle is safe to bring to the road. This is likewise important for old bikes. Further, checking your bicycle includes the following:
- Air: Are the tires of your bike inflated adequately?
- Brakes: Do the brakes work, and are they clean?
- Chain: Is the chain free of debris, clean, and does the bike turn without problems?
Identify road rules and utilize your senses
Every cyclist should be responsible to know the road rules, and follow them as a cyclist, and relate it to other cyclists as well. In addition, make sure to use your common sense when biking in traffic. Rely on your overall senses to guide you through the traffic safely. Also, anticipate the unexpected to lessen surprises.
Bike on the right side of the roadway
Generally, it is advised for people who walk to go toward traffic to become visible. However, when you are riding the bike, you must always go the same direction as the traffic to lessen the risk of head-on collisions.
Stay on the right except when you have to pass.
Likewise, in the event that there is a bike lane, make sure to use it.
Do not bike directly next to parked automobiles.
This is because drivers or passengers may not see you passing by and they open the door abruptly.
Always make a signal when making a turn.
Do not just make a turn or swerve without giving a signal to other vehicles. Hand signals are an essential element when riding on the road or high traffic areas.
Use a functional bike and maintain it.
If your bike is too small or too big for you, you may have a difficult time controlling it. Also, you want to ensure that bike parts such as tires and brakes are fully conditioned before going out into heavy traffic areas.
Call A Lawyer If You Have Been Injured
Despite your greatest efforts in riding a bike safely, accidents may still happen. If you get involved in an accident while riding a bike and want to get compensation for the harm and injuries, you can click here to call a lawyer to help you with legal process.
Dianna Charles
Dianna Charles is a promising young law enthusiast that hopes to bring her youthful spirit in her field. She tries to add a refreshing modern take to topics on the legal world that people can learn from. Dianna enjoys her free time with friends and family, and loves to cook for them.
