Sensible Guidelines for Bike Commuting

Many people are eschewing traditional forms of transportation and commuting to work via a bicycle. Not only does biking help people stay fit and healthy, but this way of getting around also conveniently reduces your carbon footprint and helps you save on fuel costs. Keep the following safety information in mind.

• Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road. Pay attention to traffic signals and stop signs, and take your lane just like you would do in a motor vehicle.
• Be alert to dynamic dangers. Many areas with heavy traffic have dedicated bicycle lanes intended to offer cyclists a safer alternative to travelling in the main lanes of a road. Use these bike lanes whenever possible, and stay vigilant. Gliding by parking spaces on the sides of the road can be particularly perilous. A parked driver may suddenly open his or her door into the lane, “dooring” the passing cyclist.
• Signal for turns. If you’re traveling in heavy traffic, do your best to indicate to other drivers when you intend to take a lane or make a turn. Bicycles don’t have turning signals like cars, so hand signals are your best option for signaling.
• Eliminate distractions. Bicycles don’t afford riders the same protection as a passenger vehicle, so bicyclists are far more susceptible to crashes than other vehicles. When riding a bike, refrain from using smartphones, mp3 players, or any other devices that could be a distraction. Additionally, the cords from these devices could potentially become tangled in a bicycle, creating another hazard and potentially destroying the device.

If you’ve been injured on a bicycle due to someone’s negligence or carelessness, our Washington D.C. personal injury attorneys can help you collect remuneration for medical costs, lost work productivity, damage to your bike and other costs.

After being hurt on a bike, you may be prescribed medications to deal with the pain. If so – and especially if you’re on additional, unrelated medications – take time to read this essay: New York Times Reports on Dangers of Polypharmacy: the Disconcerting Truth about Our Relationship with Medications.