May 17 is Bike to Work and School Day, which encourages cyclists nationwide to pedal their way to their destinations. While enjoying the benefits of eco-friendly transportation and improved fitness, it’s important to prioritize bike safety. This day serves as a reminder to all cyclists to ride cautiously, stay aware of their surroundings, and follow traffic rules to ensure a safe journey for themselves and others on the road.
According to NSC injury facts, the number of preventable deaths from bicycle incidents increased 37 percent between 2012 and 2021 (from 900 in 2012 to 1,230 in 2021), while the number of preventable nonfatal injuries declined 44 percent (from 532,212 in 2011 to 299,944 in 2021).
If you or a loved one was hit by a car or truck while cycling, you may have experienced life changing injuries. Contact an experienced bike accident attorney to discuss your legal rights and help fighting for the settlement you deserve.
Bike Safety Tips for National Bike to Work and School Day
As National Bike to Work and School Day approaches, it’s essential to brush up on bike safety to ensure a smooth and secure journey. Here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:
- Wear a helmet. Protect your head by wearing a properly fitted helmet every time you ride.
- Be visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, and equip your bike with lights, especially if riding during dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Follow traffic rules. Obey traffic signals, signs, and lane markings, and ride in the same direction as traffic flow.
- Use hand signals. Indicate your intentions to turn or stop using hand signals to communicate with drivers and other cyclists.
- Stay alert. Keep your eyes and ears open for potential hazards, including vehicles, pedestrians, and obstacles on the road.
- Ride predictably. Maintain a steady pace, and avoid sudden maneuvers or weaving in and out of traffic.
- Be cautious at intersections. Slow down, look both ways, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing intersections.
- Stay out of blind spots. Avoid riding too closely to vehicles, especially large trucks and buses, where drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
- Watch for parked cars. Be cautious of opening doors and give parked cars enough space to avoid collisions.
- Plan your route. Choose bike-friendly roads and paths whenever possible, and consider using bike lanes or designated cycling routes for added safety.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable ride on Bike to Work and School Day while promoting sustainable transportation options.
From Smart Trips:
Need to plan your route for the day? Check out Smart Trips’ map of Bellingham and Whatcom County featuring bike routes and trails. For pointers, visit this link for their useful cycling tips.
Bicycle Accidents Involving a Car
If you or a loved one was injured by a car while cycling, it is vital to report the accident to the police, and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the scene of the accident if you are able and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a bike accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a bike accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
