Biking is one of the most popular modes of transport in most modern cities. This is primarily because it is cost-effective and less stressful for your environment. However, it is also dangerous as bike users fall prey to many accidents. So, there are several rules people should follow while biking. Read on to find out!
Understand the Bike Laws of Your State
Before you hit the road with your bike, it’s essential to understand the biking laws of your state. Every state has laws governing biking, varying significantly from one state to the next.
You’ll need to follow the same road rules as motorists. That means obeying all traffic signs and signals, yielding to pedestrians, and riding in the same direction as traffic.
In some states, however, extra laws apply specifically to cyclists. For example, the bike laws in Georgia require that cyclists use hand signals when turning. However, some states have laws prohibiting cyclists from riding on the sidewalk.
So, before you head out for a ride, familiarize yourself with your state’s biking laws. Doing so will help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Always Wear a Helmet
Another essential rule people must follow while biking is to wear a helmet. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that about 850 bikers died in 2019. And the main reason was that they had no helmet on.
Studies have proved that wearing a helmet while biking protects your head. Therefore, it reduces your risk of suffering from a brain injury during an accident. This is especially true because the helmet takes up most of the energy from a fall.
Moreover, bikers are more likely to suffer serious head injuries when an accident occurs than other people. And those without helmets are more likely to die than those with helmets. Yet, people refuse, claiming it’s uncomfortable or they believe they’re excellent riders.
Therefore, NHTSA has always made it compulsory for every biker, whether old or young, to always have a helmet on. However, it would help if you did some research before buying a helmet so that you won’t buy a low-quality helmet.
Leave Some Space for Other Riders
When biking, giving space to the people on the road with you is essential. It’s for the safety of everyone, and the best way is to keep a respectful distance. If you’re unsure how to leave some space on the road, here are some things to note.
First, check your speed. If you’re going too fast, it will be challenging to maintain a safe distance from the other riders. Slow down and give yourself plenty of time to react to sudden movements.
Next, look at the width of the road and the traffic. If there’s plenty of room, you can afford to ride further away from the other riders. But if the road is narrow or there’s a lot of traffic, you’ll need to be closer to avoid getting in the way.
Finally, use your best judgment; if you feel you’re getting too close, back off. And if the other riders seem uncomfortable, give them a wide berth. By following these simple tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable ride.
Be Predictable
While riding, you share the road with other vehicles. So, it’s essential to ride predictably to avoid confusing others. One way to be a more predictable cyclist is to ride in a straight line as much as possible. This means avoiding swerving in and out of your bike lane.
However, situations may warrant making a turn. So, when you need to make a turn, do so gradually. It would help if you also signaled your intention to other riders well in advance. This will make it easier for other riders to anticipate your movements. And you should be aware of your surroundings and yield to pedestrians and other riders.
Following these simple guidelines can make your rides more predictable and safe for everyone involved.
Avoid Using Cell Phones
The last rule on our list is that every cyclist should avoid using cell phones while riding. Even if you’re only biking to get some exercise and fresh air, you must pay attention to your surroundings. And one of the ways to do that is to avoid using cell phones while biking.
Using a cellphone while biking comes with lots of dangers. This is because it’s easy to become distracted and not notice obstacles in your path. Therefore, it can lead to severe accidents.
Another risk of using a cellphone while biking is that it can make it difficult to hear traffic around you. This is especially dangerous if you’re biking in a busy area. If you can’t hear cars, you could get hit by one.
So, it’s best to avoid your cell phone or park at a corner of the road if it’s urgent.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our post about biking safety. With this knowledge, we know that you can make the most of your biking time while being safe. So what are you waiting for? Get biking!