For a long time now, deaths resulting from bicycle accidents has gone down. However, more recent research has indicated the rise in bicycle accident mortalities. As a matter of fact, bicycle related accidents are now outdoing most of traffic associated mortalities. In short, riding a bike is now a dreaded activity anywhere across world. Data from the governor’s highway safety association have e shown that the elevated crucial bike accidents started in 2011. Since then, a total of 55 bike riders have had their lives ended by cycling accidents annually. In 2014, 800 riders died on the roads and this is more than a 12 percent increase from 2014. Some newer information have detailed that our roads are becoming unsafe as time goes. By the year 2016, the Center for Diseases Control has indicated that nearly 1000 bike riders died got their lives cut short by road accidents.
- Always put on your helmet
It might not be required by every state for cyclists to have a helmet on. However, recent studies indicate that by having a helmet, you are minimizing the possibility of getting weighty injuries by almost 69%. Injuries to the head are the most common reason of death resulting from bicycle accidents. Sadly, 96 percent of bike related accident victims seem not to have on their helmets.
- Before going cycling, ensure your equipment is safe
Distracted drivers and unanticipated road bumps are not always the main bases of fatal bike incidences. Sometimes, malfunctioning bike equipment’s are a primary influence to a huge figure of bike collisions. It is possible to minimize the danger of gear associated bicycle accidents by always checking your bicycle, helmets and riding gear before getting on the highway. Perform the necessary by appropriately inflating the bike tires, inspection of your indicator lights to confirm their functionality, scrutinize your bike gears and chains to check any kind of defects. With these simple procedures, you can avert misfortunes that may perhaps alter your whole life.
- Put on reflective items
Inadequate visibility could also lead to a huge quantity of bike related accidents. If an oncoming driver cannot see you, you could possibly get knocked down. Such incidents happen mostly on intersections where you cross paths. While the indicators fixed on the cycle can assist, it is also crucial that you have on some brightly colored or reflective outfit. By focusing on being visible, you are decreasing the possibility of a getting into a bike accident.
- Always be prepared to engage the brake
Sometimes you might be good at balancing; this comes in handy when riding a bicycle without holding onto the handlebars. Always think keenly before you ride on no-hands mode, especially if other people are sharing the same road. If you do not ride with your hands on the control, you will delay before reacting to any unexpected circumstances. These may include knocking down foot-travelers or fragments on the path surface. The outcome is that you will fall off and even worse get involved in a head on collision if you brake later than expected.
- Know the road signals usage
Most of the fatal incidents happen around crossing zones. It is necessary that you know how to use primary hand signals. Communication with other road users is important. A motorist would not know what your next move lest you give a caution. Ensure that motorists, pedestrians and cyclists alike can read your hand signals. It is very rare for accidents to take place if other people understand what you are doing
- Do not get distracted
Driving while distracted is the main cause of serious car fatalities in the US. Unsurprisingly, it also appears that being on a bike and distracted is equally dangerous. Actually, you are highly vulnerable to serious injuries or even death. Using a bike while distracted is riskier. Bicycling is an amazing activity. You get to catch some air and also a good way of disconnecting and having a relaxation moment away from toughness of day to day life. You could maximize the use of your bicycle by having all your electronics kept in a storage item. If you must take water, get a water container that can easily be handled single-handedly. Having your eyes focused on the road and being in sync with the general surroundings assist you stay on the safer side.
- Cycle as a person in a car
Riding like a motorists minimizes the possibility of being in an accident. Many researches have detailed that drivers adapt to manners and patterns of automobiles on the road. Vehicles do not meddle up and down traffic; they do not dismiss traffic signals, and do not cross lanes at an instant. For cyclists, it is very possible to do such stuffs. However, you may end up surprising a driver on their lane or even tamper with your visibility. Stay safe when riding by having predictability and imitating how large vehicles behave
- Move along with the traffic
Always have your bicycle flowing with the vehicle traffic. In simple terms, move in the direction of other vehicles using the road. Chance are you could be involved in an accident if you ignore the flow. If you get knocked down for being in the opposite, you will be the one to be liable for such accidents. Such incidences bar you from any financial recovery.
- Do not cycle on pedestrian lanes
Pedestrian lanes may appear as a better alternative when cycling in traffic along other bigger vehicles. Conversely, bike riding on a sidewalk could be very hazardous for some other reasons. To begin, such lanes are meant for pedestrians. There are higher chances of knocking down a road user or lose bike control on crowded sidewalks. Secondly, a sidewalk could be bumpy compared to the highway. You may hit a road bump and find yourself flying across the motorway. Lastly, motorists do not anticipate that a cyclist will join the road from the pedestrian lanes. You will appear suddenly in front of a driver and get hit.
- Use dedicated lanes
A big number of metropolises and towns everywhere are adopting the usage of such infrastructure aimed at by many biking forums and groups. Bicycle lanes of different kinds are seeing the light of the day on a global scale. However, these bike lanes will only keep you safe if you choose to follow the.
Conclusion
Riding bicycles is very interesting and having one is something good. As you step out to take a rider on your bike, you always anticipate fun, and refreshment. This may not be true for some people because many things take place on the road. Mishaps from bicycles have caused concern among many riders and this is why rider groups are coming together to address this issue and advocate for better biking measures. You can also take initiative by doing the above mentioned things to keep you safe.
