Bike Safety Tips for a Fun Summer In Pennsylvania

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Cycling is a great way to get fit, and for many Pennsylvanians, it’s a popular option for cardiovascular exercise. Cycling can also boost your immune system, improve your mental well-being, and help you lose weight. It’s easy to see why so many people enjoy cycling. However, cycling can be dangerous for riders who don’t take the proper safety measures. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported that 766 cycling accidents occurred in the state in 2021. Twenty-four of those resulted in fatalities.

Most cycling accidents don’t involve crashing into other vehicles. Cyclists are more likely to be injured by falls or running into something stationary. In either type of accident, someone else may be at fault. If you have been involved in an accident while riding a bicycle, contacting a personal injury attorney may be a good idea to see whether negligence has occurred. 

How To Stay Safe While Cycling In Pennsylvania

Bicyclists are much more vulnerable than motor vehicle drivers on the road, so when cycling, you must take extra precautions to avoid accidents. A motor vehicle and bicycle crash can result in serious injuries or death to the cyclist. That’s why it’s essential to wear the proper safety gear, follow the rules of the road, and be aware of your surroundings. The following are some tips that will help keep you safer when you’re on the road:  

  • First, ensure every rider has a properly fitted helmet to protect against brain injury.
  • Make sure your bike is sized correctly. When standing directly over the bike, one or two inches should be between you and the top bar. For mountain bikes, you want 3 to 4 inches between you and the bar. In addition, make sure your seat is level and allows for a slight bend in the knees while seated. Your handlebar should be level with the seat.
  • Ensure your tires are correctly inflated, and test your brakes to be certain you can stop reliably.
  • If you have a small child still learning to ride, consider installing training wheels to give them added security.
  • Ride in the street about 2 to 3 feet from the curb.
  • Follow the flow of traffic and ride on the right side of the road.
  • Use hand signals to help drivers, pedestrians, and other bikers anticipate which direction you intend to go.
  • Obey stoplights and signs; try to follow traffic patterns as if you were driving a car. Yield when merging into a larger street, and always look before you turn or cross intersections.
  • Try and ride in a straight line without zigzagging.
  • If you’re facing oncoming traffic, make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are aware of your presence.
  • Keep your eyes and ears open for cars, other bikers, and pedestrians.
  • Watch for parked cars. You don’t want to be caught off guard when someone exits the car and opens the door right in front of you.
  • Children under the age of 10 (or those who are still learning to control their bikes) should ride on the sidewalk. Occasionally older children or adults will also choose to use the sidewalk as well. 
  • Alert pedestrians that you are close by saying “Excuse me” or “On the right/left” or use a bell.
  • If the sidewalk crosses a driveway or street, look both ways before crossing.

Staying alert and remembering the rules of the road can help you enjoy the outdoors without requiring a visit to the emergency room. However, if you are injured in a cycling accident, an experienced bicycle accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages. 

Contact Ross Feller Casey In Philadelphia For Bicycle Accident Cases

If you or your loved one has been seriously injured in a cycling accident caused by someone else, the attorneys at Ross Feller Casey know how to help. We have a track record of recovering large verdicts and settlements for the catastrophically injured in Pennsylvania. Let us represent you in your bicycle accident claim. 

Your case review is free, and we handle all our cases, including bicycle accident lawsuits, on a contingency basis. That means you don’t pay a cent until there’s a financial recovery in your case. Contact the Ross Feller Casey law firm today. 

Disclaimer: Ross Feller Casey, LLP provides legal advice only after an attorney-client relationship is formed. Our website is an introduction to the firm and does not create a relationship between our attorneys and clients. An attorney-client relationship is formed only after a written agreement is signed by the client and the firm. Because every case is unique, the description of awards and summary of cases successfully handled are not intended to imply or guarantee that same success in other cases. Ross Feller Casey, LLP represents catastrophically injured persons and their families in injury and wrongful death cases, providing legal representation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.