How To Stay Safe Riding Your Bicycle To Work
The average American spends more than 100 hours commuting every single year. In reality, that means that many of us spend more time on the road moving back and forth between our homes and work than we do even during a two-week vacation. More and more commuters are getting to and from work by bicycle. The lanes that connect neighborhoods and commercial areas enable commuters to get some environmentally friendly exercise while enjoying the fresh air, especially here in the Sunshine State. There were more than 836,000 bike commuters nationwide in 2017 which represented an increase of almost 70 percent more than in 2000. However, that doesn’t mean that commuting by bicycle comes without risk.
The Potential Downside of Commuting by Bicycle
No matter how much you see the potential benefits of biking to work, we are the first to admit that it is understandable why you would have some hesitations about commuting into the office this way. One of the biggest concerns is likely the fact that commuting by bicycle means you will be on the road with a lot of other people who are also rushing to commute and may not be as careful as they would otherwise. Statistics indicate that the vast majority of weekday injuries for bicyclists occur in the morning and during the afternoon rush hour. Rush hour is one of the most dangerous times to be on the road for anyone, but this is especially true when it comes to bicyclists.
Safety Tips for Commuting Bicyclists
Sharing the road is not easy for some motorists to do. Therefore, you should keep some safety precautions in mind when you are commuting to work via bicycle to help you protect yourself.
- Always ride with the flow of traffic
- Wear a properly fitting helmet at all times
- Adhere to all traffic laws and rules of the road as though you were a vehicle
- Consider wearing brightly colored reflective clothing on the road and changing after you arrive to increase your visibility
- Avoid wearing headphones while riding so that you can hear what’s happening around you and react accordingly
Have You Been Injured in an Accident?
If you have been injured in a collision with a vehicle while riding a bicycle, you should obtain legal help from a legal team that is experienced in helping bicyclists that suffer injuries that are not their fault. After all you have been through, you deserve to have the help of an attorney who has proven legal skills, who will stick by your side through all of the medical treatment you need, and who will fight tirelessly for your right to maximum compensation. As the knowledgeable Jacksonville bicycle & pedestrian accident attorneys at Douglas & Douglas, we are committed to offering outstanding representation to those who have come victims through a wide variety of personal injury situations resulting from someone else’s negligence. You can depend on us for detailed guidance and advocacy every step of the way. Reach out to us day or night to begin with a free consultation.
Resource:
consumerreports.org/exercise-fitness/the-health-benefits-of-biking-to-work-a1090481879/