Top Bicycle Safety Tips
Bicycles are a great form of transportation, exercise, and recreational activity. Kids and adults alike use bikes to get around the neighborhood or to burn off some energy. Now that we are officially in Spring, the weather is milder and more people venture outside. But with the recent COVID-19 pandemic and public health recommendations, more people might be using bicycles than before. More bikes on the road plus increased anxiety about the pandemic is a good reason to have a refresher on bicycle safety tips.
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Coronavirus and A Biking Boom
Friday, March 20th, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak officially ordered the closure of all nonessential businesses. This order put a lot of Nevadans either out of work or working from home. Businesses like bars, gyms, salons, restaurants and shopping malls. Since the Governor also ordered schools to remain closed through April 16th, parents are suddenly finding themselves working from home while watching their children.
With parents and children at home, bikes are a great way to get outside and get exercise, but still practice “social distancing.” Some delivery services also use bikes. People are biking over public transportation to limit the risk of contracting or spreading the coronavirus. This recent pandemic is shifting how we go about daily life. It is important we stay vigilant around bicycle safety as things change on the road in light of this recent pandemic.
Types of Bicycle Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2018. A study the NHTSA put out in 2019 shows that these accidents happened just as much during the day as they did at night. However, the study also showed that 75% of these accidents happened in urban areas like Las Vegas. Riding against traffic: Cyclists who ride against traffic are not only breaking the law, but also putting themselves and motorists at risk of collision. Drivers might not see a bike coming towards them in time to brake or swerve. Also, cyclists who are going with traffic might not see the other cyclist coming towards them.
Riding Against Traffic
Cyclists who ride against traffic are not only breaking the law, but also putting themselves and motorists at risk of collision. Drivers might not see a bike coming towards them in time to brake or swerve. Also, cyclists who are going with traffic might not see the other cyclist coming towards them.
Rear End Bike Accident
When a cyclist is riding in the far right lane, they might encounter a parked car or other obstacle. In order to avoid hitting the obstacle, they might move left and risk getting hit by a car from behind.
Red Light Bike Accident
When a cyclist to the right of a car and motorist stop at a red light but the car turns right, they can hit the cyclist.
Left Cross Bike Accident
When a cyclist and motorist reach the intersection from opposite directions and the car turns left, colliding with the cyclist.
Left Cross Bike Accident
When a cyclist and motorist reach the intersection from opposite directions and the car turns left, colliding with the cyclist.
“Right Hook” Accident
A car passes a bike as they both approach an intersection and the car turns right, potentially colliding with the cyclist. Or, the bike passes the car and the car turns right into the bike.
Car Door Accident
This is one of the more common bicycle accidents that come to mind. When someone in a parked car doesn’t see a bike approaching, they might open their door and hit the cyclist.
Intersection Accidents
When a cyclist has a stop sign and a car approaching the same intersection does not have a stop sign, there is potential for a collision. If the cyclist rides out into the intersection in front of the car, they could get hit. If a cyclist does not have a stop sign and the car approaching the intersection does, then the car could hit the cyclist.
Yield vs. Stop
If a cyclist treats a stop sign as a yield, they are putting themselves at risk of a collision.
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Nevada Traffic Rules for Bicycle Riders
When you are riding a bicycle, it may feel like you don’t have laws to follow. The reality is cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as a motorist. If you break the rules, you can be cited for a traffic violation. Here are some traffic rules cyclists should consider:
- Cyclists must obey stop signs and traffic signals.
- Must use hand signals for turns, decreasing speed or stopping, and reentering a traffic lane from a parked position.
- Yield when pedestrians are present.
- Use bike lanes if they are available.
- Remain in the far right of the road when no bike lane is present.
- Must have operating brake systems to bring the bicycle to a complete stop within 25 feet of using the brakes.
Before we discuss a variety of bicycle safety tips, we wanted to let you know that Anthem Injury Lawyers is here for you, should you become a victim in a bike accident caused by another’s negligence. Some people worry about consulting with a lawyer, due to their belief that it may be unaffordable. You can take advantage of our free initial consultation. Also,we work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay unless we win compensation for you. What’s more, if you’re injured, we can come to you, to discuss your case. Call us now and have our attorneys help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call (702) 857-6000.
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14 Bicycle Safety Tips
- Wear a helmet. Your odds of surviving an accident are much higher if you wear a helmet.
- Make sure you are seen. Wear bright-colored and reflective clothing, especially at times when there is poor visibility. Use front and rear lights on your bike.
- Don’t wear headphones. Riding a bike while being distracted is risky. You don’t wear headphones while driving, don’t wear them while cycling.
- Use hand signals when making turns. This is the only indication a motorist has to know what you’re doing.
- Ride with traffic. Riding against traffic you are more likely to get into an accident. Always bike with the flow of traffic.
- Use both hands. When possible, use both hands on the handlebars. Always keep at least one hand on the handlebar. If you need to carry things with you, put them in a bike carrier or backpack.
- Don’t pass on the right. The driver might not see you passing on the right and could hit you if they change lanes to make a right turn.
- Act like a car. The more you follow the same rules of the road as a motorist, the safer you will be on a bike.
- Use bike paths. It’s not always possible, but when bike paths are available use them. They are the safest route for cyclists to use as they avoid cars.
- Single file. If you are riding with a group, stay in a single file as you bike with the flow of traffic.
- Bike maintenance. Make sure your bike is serviced, the same way your car is. For example, remember to check that your tires are inflated properly, that your brakes are tight enough, and that the chain is running smoothly.
- Watch for hazards. Keep a lookout for debris, rocks, potholes, roadkill, or animals so you can safely maneuver around them.
- Be aware of parked cars. Try to bike far enough away from any parked vehicles to avoid being hit by a door.
- Communicate. You should always use hand signals, but sometimes that is not enough. If you are passing a pedestrian or another cyclist, let them know. Ring a bell or shout a simple warning like “on your left” to alert them of your approach.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorneys
We hope these bicycle rider safety tips help you and your loved ones stay out of harm’s way. However, even the safest person can be injured just by biking around the neighborhood. If you get into a bicycle accident, you’ll need the skill and knowledge that only a top personal injury lawyer can provide. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers have represented many clients in this area in bicycle accident cases. We’ve succeeded in helping those clients receive the compensation they deserved as victims in bike accidents. If you or a loved one are in Nevada and suffer a personal injury from a bicycle accident you should speak to our experienced attorneys. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of accident injury lawyers and staff. We are ready to help you with your injury case.
Our office is conveniently located in Henderson. We also work with clients all over the Las Vegas Valley, including North Las Vegas, Summerlin, Spring Valley, Anthem, and the Strip.
Contact us today for a Free Consultation at (702) 857-6000.
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