PASS ON THE GAS--CYCLING IS FUN!

Ever since its invention in the 1800's, bicycles have been used for fun and exercise. Something in the world is happening that’s changing our perception of bicycles: gas prices! With rising gas prices people are dusting off their bikes and using them when traveling for work, errands and other tasks. Not only is this good for the environment, but it’s also cost efficient. It costs approximately $3,000 annually to keep your car running but less than $300 annually for a bike!

With more people riding their bicycles, there is likely to be an increase in the number of bicycle-related injuries. Head injury is the greatest risk to bicyclists and accounts for one-third of all emergency room visits, two-thirds of hospital admissions and three-fourths of bicycle-related deaths. How can you prevent this? Wear a helmet! By wearing a helmet, brain and head injuries can be substantially reduced. New York state law requires that all riders 14 years of age or younger wear helmets but this certainly does not mean that the rest of us don’t need to. In fact, adult bicyclists represent more than three-quarters of all bicycle deaths so it is just as important that adults wear helmets.

Not surprisingly, most serious injuries to bicycle riders are the result of collisions with other cars. One of the most common types of crashes occurs when a motorist fails to yield the right-of-way at an intersection. When you bike through an intersection, get the driver’s attention by making eye contact, ringing a bell or shouting. Don’t assume that the driver is aware of your presence.

As skilled as you may be at riding a bike it’s hard to control the skill level of others on the road. It is important that you are fully prepared and ride safely. Here are some safety tips that can make your ride safer and more enjoyable:

1. Wear a helmet. It is an important piece of equipment that may just save your life.
2. Obey traffic signs and signals. Let others know you are about to turn with hand signals so that they are aware of what your intentions are.
3. Never ride against traffic. Not only does state law require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles, it is also easier to be seen if you are traveling in the same direction as traffic.
4. Wear bicycle appropriate clothing. Such things include glasses to keep objects from getting in your eyes, padded gloves to protect your hands from blisters and/or cramping, bright padded clothing for comfort and increased visibility. Reflective clothing is another good idea in order to make you more visible at night or lowlight conditions.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Knowing what is going on around you helps you better assess a potential dangerous situation. Wearing headphones prevents you from hearing what is going on so leave them at home; make sure you know your route and the road conditions (gravel or paved streets) so that you can properly prepare for your ride.
6. Use proper bicycle equipment. Lights and bicycle reflectors make you more visible to those around you. A rearview mirror lets you see what is going on behind you. What is going on behind you is just as important as what is ahead, especially if it’s a speeding truck!
7. Stay off sidewalks, unless you are going slower than 10/mph. Cyclists on sidewalks are involved in accidents 4 times as often as those riding in streets. By riding on sidewalks you compete for space with pedestrians and make yourself less visible to vehicles both in the street and those backing out of driveways.
8. Ride in groups. There’s safety in numbers! You can imagine you’re in the Peloton riding in the Tour de France!
9. Keep your hands near the brakes. Always be prepared to stop or slow down. You will be able to react quickly to changing road conditions.
10. Maintain your bike. Inspect your bike and make sure that everything is working properly. Make sure that the you have an appropriate size bike for your body type. You want your ride to be comfortable!

While taking these precautions may reduce the risk of a bicycle related injury, nothing can completely eliminate accidents. If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a bicycle accident, call our office at (516) 822-7866 or 1-800-972-8144 to learn about your rights and whether you or a loved one is entitled to an award for injuries.