Riding a bicycle is a fun way to exercise, but it can also be an efficient and eco-friendly form of transportation. At the same time, sharing the road with motor vehicles can be quite dangerous for bicyclists. If you depend on your bike to get you to and from school, work or wherever else you need to go, it’s important to know the rules of the road and exercise caution when riding. These tips from our Bucks County bicycle accident lawyer will help you bike safely this spring:
- Ride with traffic – Just like automobile drivers, bicyclists are required by law to ride on the right side of the road. This is the safest way to ride because it allows you to follow the normal traffic pattern and gives you the best chance of being seen by pedestrians and motorists.
- Make eye contact with drivers – When you’re on a bike, drivers may not be able to see you as well since bicycles are smaller and less noticeable than other vehicles on the road. With this in mind, you should always make eye contact with drivers to confirm that they see you before you turn or proceed through an intersection.
- Strive to ride in a straight, predictable line – Weaving between cars may seem like a good idea when you’re in a hurry; in reality, this practice puts you at a great risk because it makes it harder for drivers to see you and predict your path. Therefore, you should always try to ride in a straight line, unless of course you’re avoiding a roadway hazard such as a pothole.
- Use caution when changing lanes and turning – Before changing lanes on a bike, you should always turn your head and look behind you to make sure it’s safe to do so. Don’t depend on your ears, as you may not be able to hear a car or another bicycle behind you. Furthermore, always use hand signals to indicate where you plan to go when turning so that drivers know whether or not it’s safe to go around you.
- Keep your bike well maintained – In addition to obeying the PA bike laws, it’s also crucial to take care of your bicycle in order to ride safely. Our bicycle accident lawyer in Bucks County recommends checking to make sure that your brakes and safety lights are functioning correctly each time you use your bike.
Sharing the road with cars can be tricky; however, following these guidelines from our Bucks County bicycle accident attorney will make it easier to bike safely and responsibly.
Hurt on a Bike? Contact Us for Legal Assistance
Even when you ride cautiously and follow the rules for biking on the road, there is still a chance that you may be injured in an accident caused by an individual who is driving recklessly, under the influence or distracted. In the event that you are hurt while biking and you believe it may have been the fault of another party, the Heslin Law Firm will be here to help. For over 30 years, we’ve been known as the bicycle accident lawyer Bucks County residents can trust to assist them in getting the compensation they deserve for their pain and suffering, medical bills, time off work, etc.
If you have questions or you’d like to schedule a free consultation with Mr. Gary Heslin, our skilled Bucks County bicycle accident lawyer, call (215) 332-0300 today. Plus, don’t forget to read our post on how to avoid the safety hazards that come with spring. We look forward to offering you expert legal guidance should you need it.