What Steps Can be Taken to Avoid Personal Injury While Bike Riding?

As the summer and subsequently warm and sunny weather approaches, it’s time to bring out the bikes! While it is tempting to rush outside, it is also important to remember that, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation, bicyclist deaths are the highest between June and September. With that in mind, here are some safety tips to follow when biking during this summer:

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Adhere to the rules of the road. Follow street signs and proceed with the flow of traffic. Stay in designated bike lanes and signal before turning or stopping.       
  • Stay focused and alert on the road. Avoid getting distracted and don’t use your phone while biking.
  • Stay visible. Wear reflective gear when it’s dark outside as drivers cannot always see bikers at night.
  • Wear sunscreen. Excess exposure to the sun can increase the likelihood of skin cancer. It also allows fatigue and exhaustion to set in more easily.
  • Stay hydrated. Make sure you bring enough water for your biking adventure!
  • Listen to your body and watch out for signs of heat exhaustion.
  • Watch out for pedestrians and pets.
  • Ride a bike that works properly and is suitable for you.
  • Plan your bike ride. Check your local weather forecast and take note of when temperatures will rise. If possible, ride in the morning or the evening to avoid the hottest parts of the day.

What Resources are Available to Learn More about Bike Safety?

The U.S. Dept. of Transportation can be an excellent source of information – its website contains a great guide, “Bicycle Safety Tips for Parents and Kids”.

As electric bicycles and electric scooters are becoming increasingly popular, it is also important to note they too can be dangerous in a different manner.  As e-bikes and e-scooters are dependent on batteries, should the bike’s battery become damaged, it may overheat, cause a fire and possibly result in an explosion.  Before becoming a rider on either, review carefully National Fire Protection Association’s website Safety With E-Bikes and E-Scooters.

With careful consideration of safety, bike riding can be an enjoyable and environmentally-friendly means of transportation. SUGARMAN has a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys who represent those who have been injured. If you have been injured and wish to speak to one of our attorneys regarding liability, please call us at (617) 542-1000 or  email us about your case.