Bicycle sales have risen sharply amid the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Bloomberg. With California gyms and fitness clubs currently closed, many people are turning to cycling to maintain their fitness and stay healthy.
Moreover, children who are out of school and won't be attending any extracurricular events are cycling more often around their neighborhoods. Commuters may prefer to get around by bicycle rather than a crowded bus where they may be around people who may be sick.
How can bicyclists stay safe?
Bicyclists often have to share the road with cars and trucks. This puts them at risk of encountering distracted drivers, speeders, aggressive drivers, impaired drivers, and drivers who dislike bicyclists.
It's also important to be aware of an increase in speeding that has been reported across the U.S. due to a decrease in traffic congestion.
Furthermore, bicyclists are among the most vulnerable road users. They don't have the same protections as motorists: seatbelts, airbags, crash mitigation technology, or a car frame.
Bike safety tips from AAA
There are ways bicyclists can stay safe and reduce the likelihood of being seriously injured. Here are some tips offered by AAA:
- Pay attention to your surroundings: Be sure to check both directions when entering a new roadway or approaching an intersection. Never proceed until the coast is clear.
- Always wear a helmet: By wearing a properly-fitted helmet can, you have an 85 percent less chance of sustaining a serious traumatic brain injury.
- Travel in direction of vehicular traffic: Always ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as vehicular traffic.
- Avoid congested areas: Areas where traffic congestion is heavy can be dangerous for bicyclists. Unless a protected bicycle lane is available, it's best to stay away from these areas and find an alternate route.
- Signal with your hands: For bicyclists, hand signals work the same way as turn signals do in cars. To learn more about how hand signals work, click here.
- Make yourself visible: It's important to wear bright clothing to make yourself more visible to drivers.
- Be careful of road defects and debris: You may encounter potholes, large cracks in the road, uneven surfaces and debris. Be sure to keep an eye out for these hazards and avoid them.
What are my legal options if I'm injured in a bicycle crash?
Should you or a loved one be injured in a bicycle crash, an experienced California attorney at Clancy & Diaz, LLP can help you take legal action. Bicycle crashes often result in serious injuries, including:
- Spinal injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and contusions
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries
Being treated for these injuries can be expensive. Without the help of an attorney, you could find yourself paying out-of-pocket. To learn how you can maximize your compensation, contact us online or call our Walnut Creek office at 925-835-7500. We offer free case evaluations.