At some point, you may realize that commuting to and from work on a bicycle makes the most sense. Not only can this save you time, but it can help you keep a few dollars in your bank account, and let you feel good knowing you’re contributing in a positive way to eco-sustainability.
While there are many benefits of commuting on a bicycle, you must also become familiar with the dangers. Most importantly, you never want to find yourself part of an accident with a motor vehicle.
Bicycle commuters can follow many safety tips, with these among the most important:
- Ride in a bicycle lane when possible. This isn’t always available, but if it is, you should take full advantage. In the event that there is no bicycle lane, opt for the same lane of travel as motor vehicles. This is better than using the sidewalk or trying to ride next to traffic.
- Watch for opening doors. In addition to moving vehicles, you need to keep your eyes open for doors that could swing into your path. The best way to deal with this is to assume that every door is going to open. This way, you’re always on your toes.
- Use hand signals and make eye contact with others. When riding a bicycle on a path, you can keep to yourself and do your own thing. Conversely, if you’re riding on the road, you need to be in constant communication with those around you. Using hand signals and making eye contact can help you avoid an accident.
Don’t let the fear of an accident stop you from commuting on a bicycle. Instead, learn more about what you can do to avoid trouble.
If you find yourself down on the ground as the result of a bicycle accident, call for help (or have someone else do so) and wait for an ambulance to arrive.
Once you receive medical treatment, you’ll have a better idea of what you’re up against. This will also help you decide what to do next, which could include learning more about your legal rights for receiving compensation.