10 Bicycle Safety Tips

Each year, bicycle accidents lead to serious injuries and fatalities throughout New York. If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a bicycle accident in New York that was due to someone else’s negligence, you might be entitled to financial compensation.

The New York City bicycle accident lawyers of Finz & Finz, P.C. are ready to fight for your rights, assist you in obtaining justice, and help you get your life back on track. While we are here to represent you if you have been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in New York, we would rather help you avoid an accident or at least help limit the injuries you sustain if you are involved in an accident. That said, many bicycle accidents are caused by negligent motorists and are unfortunately unavoidable. In this blog, we provide 10 bicycle safety tips to keep in mind when you ride.

For 40 years, the skilled and compassionate lawyers of Finz & Finz, P.C. have recovered millions of dollars in settlements for accident victims in New York. Our litigation team has the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to take on the negligent parties, whether it is a motorist, their insurance company, or any other party.

If you have been struck by a driver while riding your bike, the insurance company will likely attempt to place a portion of the blame on you. They will likely make a lowball settlement offer as well. Don’t assume the insurance adjuster’s assessment of your New York bicycle accident is fair. The highly skilled and experienced New York bicycle accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C will negotiate for a full and fair settlement. Call now at 855-TOP-FIRM for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Keep the following 10 bicycle safety tips in mind when cycling throughout New York:

1. Choose the Right Bicycle for You

Your bicycle should leave one to two inches of clearance between your crotch and the tube connecting the handlebars to the seat. The two inches of clearance should occur when you stand flat-footed. Pay attention to the height of the handlebars and tire pressure. Also, check the positioning of your seat. You may want to get sized by a professional. This will ensure your best fit.

2. Wear a Helmet

Studies indicate that wearing a helmet can substantially reduce your risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The fit of the helmet is critical, so follow these tips when choosing a helmet:

• Buy the right size helmet for your head
• Adjust the fit to make sure it does not move around from front to back or side to side
• The chin strap should feel snug
• The helmet should sit level across your forehead, above the eyebrow
• Make sure the helmet has a certification sticker

3. Ride With Traffic, Never Against It

Riding against traffic makes it difficult to make a right turn. More importantly. Cyclists are much more likely to get in an accident when riding on the left side of the road because drivers entering the road from a driveway rarely look right for oncoming traffic.

4. Make Eye Contact With Drivers

When cycling, assume that motorists on the road don’t see you until you are positive that they do. It’s important to make eye contact with drivers as they could pose a threat to your safety.

5. Limit Distractions

When you are riding outdoors, it’s best to leave the headphones at home. Headphones reduce your ability to hear things around you that alert you to hazards. While you’re riding your bicycle, resist the urge to look at your phone. Using a phone while cycling negatively affects your ability to handle your bike.

6. Know the Rules of the Road

Because cyclists must follow the same laws as motorists, you must be familiar with New York’s traffic laws. When turning, make sure you use hand signals, and before you enter traffic, look left, right, and then left again. Watch for opening car doors and other hazards. Never hitch onto cars.

7. Focus on the Road

Defensive driving is critical when riding a bicycle in New York alongside many motorists. It can be hard to anticipate what others on the road may do, so stay alert and assume drivers don’t see you. Avoid distractions.

8. Be Especially Careful At Intersections

A large percentage of bicycle accidents in New York occur at intersections. When you approach an intersection on your bicycle, always obey traffic signals and scan for traffic around you. Before making a turn, look behind you, then signal and position yourself in the proper lane.

9. Ride Carefully During Inclement Weather

Wet and icy roads in New York can affect your maneuverability and visibility. Be cautious when riding in bad weather; avoid going fast and making sharp turns.

10. Carry a phone and ID

If you get a flat tire and need a ride, a cell phone will come in handy. If you get in an accident, your ID will help paramedics know who you are and how to help you.

Contact A Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident in New York that was another party’s fault, you could be entitled to compensation. It is important that you seek legal counsel as soon as you can, and the experienced New York bicycle accident attorneys at Finz & Finz, P.C. are ready to help. We have a proven track record of getting favorable results for our clients. Allow us to work hard to recover the full and fair compensation you deserve. Reach out to us anytime by calling 855-TOP-FIRM for a free initial consultation.