The sport of road cycling is one of the best ways of seeing our beautiful city of San Diego, but also one of the most dangerous. Although many bike accidents occur due to the negligence of vehicle drivers, there are also many things bikers can to reduce the chances of them occurring. Doing your part as a biker can also make a difference. This blog will go over the top five biking safety tips that all bikers should know.

1. Be Visible

Whether you’re riding on the busy streets of downtown or on a trail, it’s important that you make yourself visible to others. Many accidents take place because vehicle drivers don’t see the bikers. Things you can to increase your visibility includes:

• Equipping your bike with flashing front and rear lights
• Wearing reflective gear such as a high visibility jacket or vest
• Wearing bright clothing that contrasts with your environment

There have been many studies that investigated how visibility aids affect the ease with which drivers are able to spot cyclists on the road. It was found that fluorescent colors were more visible to drivers. Fluorescent clothing in red, yellow, and orange were found to be the most effective colors.

2. Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of head and brain injuries to cyclists by as much as 85%. Helmets help by absorbing the energy of the impact while reducing your head’s stopping time, which reduces the impact to the brain. The fit of the helmet is vital, so it is important to follow the following rules when choosing one:

• Properly measure your head and purchase the right size
• Adjust the fit using the adjuster wheel to ensure it does not move around while riding
• Set the helmet level across your forehead, right above the eyebrows
• The straps should fit tight and the chin strap should feel snug when you open your mouth
• Replace your helmet after a major impact, even if it doesn’t have any visible damage. Helmets are no longer safe after a major impact.

3. Perform Bike Maintenance and Carry a Repair Kit

Carrying a repair kit and performing regular maintenance and safety checks is important. Before heading out for a ride, remember to perform a pre-ride bike inspection using the A, B, C technique:

• Air: Check your tire air pressure
• Brakes: Make sure your brakes are properly working
• Chain and Crains: Make sure your chain is oiled and clean. Also, check if your gears are shifting well

Carrying around a basic repair kit on your bike is a good idea. Your repair kit should contain the following:

• A tire patch kit
• A spare tube
• A pump of compressed air
• Basic tools such as tire levelers and Allen keys
• Your I.D.
• A cell phone

4. Reduce Distractions

Reducing distractions can make all the difference. While biking, it is best if you are using all of your senses. Listening to music is great for indoor training, however if you’re riding your bike, it’s best to keep the earphones off. You do not want to reduce your ability to hear. You will want to hear the cues around you that can alert you of a potential hazard. Don’t take an unnecessary risk that’s not worth taking. It is also important that you resist the urge of checking your phone. If checking your phone is really necessary, then pull off the road or trail to do so.

5. Make Eye Contact with Motorists

Never assume that you’ve been seen, especially in intersections. Motorists often don’t notice bikers, even when they’re riding on designated lanes. Try to make yourself seen early. The best way is by making sure that you make eye contact with the motorists before making a turn or proceeding from a stop. As bikers, we are the ones at more risk, so we should never assume anything and put in the most from our part to be safe. Communicating with other road users will also vastly reduce the chances of an accident occurring. Use proper hand signals to let those around you know where you’re headed. Be sure to also let pedestrians know you’re passing by using a bell.

Making sure that we, as bikers, are doing our part when it comes to safety will help make a difference. Whenever you are out riding, use your common sense and never assume anything. Even the safest cyclist can be injured by a negligent motorist. So remember to be vigilant and ready to react to a potential road hazard at all times. 

Bonnici Law Group has the experience, knowledge, and reputation you want and need when injured in a bike accident. We are here to help you build the most substantial claim possible for compensation and obtain a positive outcome in your case. Do not hesitate to contact Bonnici Law Group at 858-261-5454 or help@bonnicilawgroup.com. For a free consultation, click here.