Five Bicycle Safety Tips for National Bike Month
May was National Bike Month. Each year, the League of American Bicyclists uses National Bike Month to promote cycling as a healthy and inexpensive mode of transportation. The message is catching on. Cycling has exploded in popularity across the country.
While cycling is cheaper and healthier than using a motor vehicle, it can also be dangerous because cyclists have no protection from collisions. You can adopt the following safety tips to reduce the chances of a bicycle accident or injury if you are going to participate in National Bike Month.
- Always wear a helmet. You should always wear a helmet while riding a bicycle. Helmets will not always prevent a concussion during an accident, but they will reduce the chances of suffering a more severe brain injury. North Carolina law requires cyclists or bicycle passengers under 16 years old to wear approved helmets.
- Increase your visibility. You can reduce the risk of a bicycle accident by wearing bright colors. Reflective tape can also improve visibility by bouncing light off vehicles. Bicycle lights are also a must. North Carolina law requires you to use a front-lighted lamp that is visible from at least 300 feet after sundown. At night, you must also use a red, rear reflex mirror or lamp that is visible from a distance of at least 200 feet. You should avoid riding at night unless it is necessary.
- Maintain your bike. Treat your bike like you would treat your vehicle. Like vehicles, bicycles require regular maintenance. If your brakes, tires, lights or gears are in bad shape, then you are increasing the risk of a bicycle accident. You should also check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website to see if your bicycle or biking equipment is under recall.
- Follow the law. North Carolina has multiple bicycle laws that can protect your safety. We have listed several of these laws on our website. You can prevent an accident or serious injuries by wearing a helmet (even if you are older than 16), using hand signals and riding with traffic.
- Stay focused. There are numerous obstacles on the road that could cause a bicycle accident. Potholes, car doors and objects on the road are all common hazards. By remaining attentive while riding, you can scan ahead for hazards that cause bicycle accidents. Avoid using headphones while cycling.
What If I’m Injured in a Bicycle Accident in North Carolina?
Riddle & Brantley is a North Carolina personal injury law firm that handles bicycle accident cases. You should speak to one of our attorneys if you or a loved suffered an injury during a bicycle accident. Injuries from accidents can be financially and emotionally costly. Compensation from a settlement or verdict could help pay for these expenses.
Contact us online or give us a call at (800) 527-7111 for your free case review. Our representatives are available to assist you, and we even respond to calls and emails after hours and on weekends.