by Irene Wall
Having a bike can be an amazing thing, as not only do you have a good method of transportation, you also have opportunities to take note of your fitness and be more active in life. Improvements in technology have created wonders in transportation such as cars and trains that make traveling much easier and made roads a lot busier. This means keeping safe on a bike is something to take note of now more than ever, given the kinds of things happening on the roads. Below are key tips on how to keep safe while riding a bike on a busy street.
Do remember however that if you think you might be in need of medical help, do seek the help of a medical professional before getting back on your bike. Knowing your safety limits first is a good way to ensure your biking sessions on a busy street are more enjoyable.
According to bicycling.com, these tips below will most likely be able to help you become safer while biking on a busy street. The tips of course don't apply everywhere, which means it's best you combine these tips with what you know about the routes you take, alongside a consultation with a legal professional regarding traffic laws pertaining to bikes that you may need clarification on.
Use Lights
When you live in a place where there's a lot of cover like trees and high buildings, or when it's winter and the night is longer than the day, it's best to always make sure you have enough lights on your bike to make sure the road is illuminated for you. Getting bike lights is a good option especially if you actually need to travel at night.
● You may also want to use a rear light that blinks so drivers can find it easier to spot you, and other bikers will be able to see you quicker as well. A good front light can also help illuminate relevant things such as signs and obstacles that you may need to dodge. All of your bike parts needs can be easily found online.
Have Someone Know Where You Are
If you head out a certain route a lot, try to notify someone of the path you commonly take. You're not advised to read messages or make calls while riding, which is generally the same rules drivers have to follow. This means that if you do need to be reached in times of emergency, people who know your route can more or less pinpoint where you are.
● Try to get special trackers that can be placed on the helmet to track your location. In the event of a crash, some special trackers actually send a message and provide information in a feed that is tracked by support personnel that could provide immediate assistance.
● Some special apps also allow them to track phones with permission, allowing a network of friends to monitor each other should they have any need to.
● In the same token, try as much as possible to have your emergency information accessible in a nearby place. Try to set up apps for health and safety and have all emergency contact information easily accessible so that emergency personnel can keep track of your safety should there be a need to.
● Try to have a small bag that has identification, relevant medical info, and emergency information in order to help protect you and your identity should an accident happen.
Protection Matters A Lot
Remember that when it comes to riding a bike - be it a motorbike or an ordinary bike - it's important to note that there are certain rules and regulations that apply to these modes of transportation that don't necessarily apply to cars and other motor vehicles. For instance, some countries enforce rules that drivers absolutely must have safety equipment on them, and it can result in a likely penalty for riders who don't comply. This is because when accidents happen, the body is more prone to injury from external forces than, say, if you're in an enclosed space like a car.
● This doesn't mean that car safety should be neglected, but for the purposes of this discussion, understanding bike safety is important if you plan on riding your bike a lot, especially on a busy street.
● Always, always, always wear a helmet, as this protects your head from concussions should accidents occur. A concussion, and other potential injuries, can pose grave threats to your body should an accident happen. Many countries, in fact, have penalties for riders who don't have helmets as it's a requirement.
● Try to get other safety equipment such as padded gear for limbs, and guards. These can help protect your limbs and your joints from damage should there be an accident.
● Bright colored clothing or clothing with reflective strips is also beneficial if you’ll be riding on busy streets. Easier to see by drivers and pedestrians alike, these types of shirts and shorts are specifically designed with the safety of riders in mind.
● Protection also extends to knowing what to do. If you find yourself suffering a bad fall that may have injured parts of the body such as the hip, it might be a good idea to always have a professional lawyer available for call. You may find such a service here.
Conclusion
When you decide to ride a bike, chances are that you've made yourself familiar with the basics. What exactly you should wear, where it’s safest to ride your bike, and where you can at least park it when you have to go inside premises. However, if you've familiarized yourself with traffic laws with the help of a lawyer, you may have learned that there are various elements of bike accidents to consider. This is why learning how to keep safe while riding a bike on a busy street is essential, as accidents choose no one, and it's better to be prepared on how to avoid accidents than to find yourself in one.
Irene Wall
Irene Wall has been writing about law for more than a decade. She writes pieces on various law topics that she hopes could help the common reader with their concerns. She enjoys playing basketball with her sons during her free time