Commuting on a bicycle is something that a growing number of people are doing. Sure, you could continue to take your car to work, but you may come to find that using a bicycle is a great way to save both time and money, not to mention the health benefits.
There is only one problem with commuting on a bicycle: your concern of being part of an accident with a motor vehicle.
It goes without saying that a crash involving a bicycle and a car is never a good thing. Even if you’re wearing protection, there is no way of guaranteeing your safety in the case of an accident.
Here are some of the many safety tips you should follow when commuting on a bicycle:
- Watch out for opening doors. In addition to moving vehicles, keep your eyes peeled for those that are parked. If a door opens into your path, you could find yourself driving into it head-on.
- Make eye contact with drivers. You don’t want to shy away from communication with other drivers, as this can make it difficult for them to see you. It’s important to make eye contact and use other forms of body language. Doing so gives these people an idea of your thoughts and the moves you are going to make.
- Use the bike lane or drive in traffic. If a bike lane is available to you, this is the best place to be. If it’s not, stay off the sidewalk and ride your bike in the middle of traffic. Believe it or not, this is the safest environment.
These are the types of tips you can implement when commuting on a bicycle. When you combine these with your bike handling expertise, you’ll find yourself in a position to avoid trouble.
If you are ever part of a car-bicycle accident, stay where you are and call for help. You’ll want an ambulance to arrive at the scene as quickly as possible, as to provide you with immediate medical care.
Once you know your injuries and the treatment you require, it’s time to learn more about the cause of the accident. If another party was responsible for the crash, you may be in a position to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages.
