Bicycling is a great way to save money, help the
environment, and increase physical fitness. If you’re feeling trapped in
Atlanta traffic, consider bicycling to work instead of driving a car or
carpooling with coworkers. Like any mode of transportation in major metropolitan
area, riding a bike comes with innate but avoidable risks. Do your part to
avoid an accident or a serious personal injury by
staying sharp and following the safety guidelines below.
Safety First: How to Prevent Accidents and Protect Yourself from Injury
Besides “always wear a helmet,” visibility is the golden rule of bicycling, especially on roads
with heavy traffic or during high-traffic commutes (like to and from work).
Unfortunately, bike lanes are rare in Atlanta. This doesn’t mean you can’t plan
a safe commute; it simply means you need to be extra cautious of the space
between your bike and other vehicles.
To make sure drivers
can see you, following these tips:
- When possible, make eye contact with drivers before you cross the street
- Wear bright clothing (preferably reflective)
- Use hand signals correctly so cars know when you’re going to turn
- Consider a bicycle light if you’re riding early in the morning or late at night
- Make sure any reflective pieces of your bike stay that way and replace them when they fade
- Pay attention to other drivers’ lines of sight and don’t assume they can see you
- Always ride with the flow of traffic; vehicles expect to see you on the right-hand side of the road
Crucial Tips for New Riders
Plan your commute – Driving
to work isn’t the same as bicycling to work in a lot of ways, include the rout
you take. The best commute will help you not only avoid areas of town that aren’t
bicycle-friendly, but can also help you find a route that’s more fun to ride. Additionally,
you may be able to use cycling or hiking paths on your way to work.
Pay attention to the
sun - If the sun is in your eyes,
cars coming up behind you may experience a glare. This means they can’t see
you. Generally speaking, assume drivers are not aware of you. Once you’re
familiar with your commute route, you will get a better idea of when drivers can
see you and when they can’t. Ride with caution, always assuming motorists don’t
know you’re on the road.
Remember that
sidewalks aren’t safe – Riding on the sidewalk is tempting for many new
bicyclists. The truth is you should be more nervous riding on the sidewalk than
in the street. Bicycles are considered vehicles in many states (just like cars
and motorcycles).
When you ride on the sidewalk, you’re more likely to get hit by car coming out
of the driveway or crossing your path while turning because motorists don’t
expect to see you there.
When in doubt, remember that your bicycle is a vehicle. Always obey
traffic signals and yield to pedestrians, just like you would if you were
driving a car.
What to Do If You’re in an Accident
If you’re ever in a an accident
with a car, speak with a personal injury lawyer from Kaufman Law, P.C. as
soon as possible. We provide free
legal consultations for victims of pedestrian and bicycle accidents and are
available 24/7. To learn more about us, call our office or visit us online.
