Tips to Stay Safe While Road Cycling
California weather is the envy of most of the rest of the country, and many Americans report San Diego as having the best climate of any major city in the United States. More people are also eschewing their cars in favor of bicycles for commuting and short distance traveling. The fantastic weather in San Diego may be reason enough to hop on your bicycle for the day, but if you’re planning on using any major roads, it’s very important to take the proper precautions and understand how to bike on the roadways safely. Consider the following tips before hitting the road on your bicycle in San Diego.
Wear a Helmet
The very first and possibly most important safety measure you can take for road cycling safety is wearing a Department of Transportation-approved bicycle helmet. A helmet is not an automatic guarantee of safety on your bike, but it can certainly lower your chances of suffering a serious or fatal wound if you wind up in an accident. Bicyclists have very little protection from external forces, and when a car or other vehicle hits them, the bicyclists stand to suffer potentially life-threatening injuries. Hitting your head on the pavement at even moderate speeds can result in a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or other serious complications.
Ride with the Weather
Many modern bicycles can handle high speeds, tough terrain, and work well in almost any weather. Bicyclists, on the other hand, need to be cautious when it comes to riding in inclement weather. Riding in light rain may not sound too dangerous, but poor weather means that everyone else on the road has less visibility and faces the usual roadway hazards that precipitation presents. Bicycles are also made of metal, making them prime targets for lightning strikes if you choose to ride during a thunderstorm.
Stay Alert
Remember that the law typically considers bicycles the same as other road vehicles with a few minor exceptions. It’s imperative for bicyclists to stay vigilant while riding. Assuming that other drivers will simply make way for you because you’re on a bicycle is an easy way to suffer a serious injury. Additionally, it can be difficult to maneuver around obstacles like potholes and road debris, so take care and watch your speed. You may even want to install a rearview mirror on your helmet or bicycle. This will allow you to quickly assess hazards that may approach from the rear without needing to turn your head.
Carry the Essentials
Since you’re riding a bike and not driving a car, you may assume it’s safe to leave your driver’s license at home. However, it’s vital to keep identification with you in case of an emergency. Should you suffer an injury, emergency responders will need to identify you and notify loved ones. You should consider carrying a small bag with your identification, a cell phone, and any other essentials you may need in case of an emergency.
Always Ride with Traffic
Some people believe that riding against the flow of traffic is safer because drivers can easily see you coming. This is actually very dangerous and illegal in many states. Bicyclists are nearly four times as likely to suffer serious injuries when riding against traffic. Additionally, it makes it nearly impossible for you to turn right, and drivers entering the road with a right turn aren’t used to checking for approaching traffic in that direction. It’s also vital to remember to never try and pass slow-moving cars on their right side. Most drivers won’t be able to see you and will crash directly into you if they change lanes or attempt a turn.
Use Signals
Let other drivers know when you plan to turn. Simply extend your arm in the direction you intend to turn, and take care before entering any intersections. While there are existing “accepted” hand signals for bicycling, hardly anyone knows or uses them, so just extend your left arm for left turns and your right arm for right turns.
Biking in San Diego can be exhilarating and help you stay fit, but it’s crucial that you do it safely. If you find yourself injured by a driver while biking, it may be a good idea to contact a San Diego bike accident attorney to explore your options for compensation.