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Road Safety for Cyclists
Sharing the Road? 4 Things Cyclists Need to Know About Road Safety
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Riding a bicycle is great for your health and one of the best ways to get around your local area without having to rely on a motorized vehicle.
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If you choose to ride your bike on the roadways instead of drive, you should take certain safety precautions to avoid dangers.
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Road Safety for Cyclists
4 pieces of advice that you should follow to keep yourself safe on the road
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#1. Know Your Responsibilities
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As a cyclist, you will share many of the same responsibilities as drivers. Being aware of your responsibilities can help you avoid accidents and ride more defensively.
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AAA notes that you still have to yield to pedestrians who are trying to cross any roads. You’re also still expected to stop at stop signs and red lights.
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If you need to make a turn, be sure to use the appropriate hand signals to let drivers and any other cyclists know where you’re going. Traveling with the flow of traffic is another rule that you’ll need to follow.
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#2. Make Yourself as Visible as Possible
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You’ll want to make sure that you’re clearly visible so that drivers can avoid hitting you. Wearing bright-colored clothing is a great way to catch drivers’ eyes and keep you safe.
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If you ride at night or in the early morning, try wearing reflective clothing and using a headlight on your bike to make yourself more visible. Reflective materials can also be placed on your helmet and shoes.
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If you need to cross the path of a driver who’s stopped, try to make eye contact and give a friendly wave so that they won’t accidentally proceed without seeing you while you’re crossing.
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#3. Bring Emergency Supplies
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You can find emergency kits that are ideal for cyclists. Some of the best kits are contained inside lightweight, waterproof bags. Bandages, antibiotic ointment and irrigation syringes to treat road rashes are included in some of these kits.
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You should also bring a mobile phone with all your emergency contacts listed in case you or someone else needs to call for help.
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If you happen to get into an accident that’s caused by a negligent driver, you can hire an accident attorney who specializes in bicycle collisions to take legal action.
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#4. Keep Your Bicycle Under Control
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Maintaining control over your bicycle at all times is a must if you want to stay safe on the road. You should be riding a bike that’s sized and adjusted correctly for you.
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Check your tires regularly to ensure that there’s enough air in them to ride stably. Your brakes should also be checked so that you’ll be able to stop quickly if necessary. Riding on bumpy roadways or at fast speeds isn’t recommended until you get used to outdoor cycling.
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Bicycle safety should be a top priority of yours if you plan to share the road with vehicles. You’ll have a greater chance of getting to and from your destinations safely by riding with caution.
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Post by Hannah Whittenly
https://Twitter.com/HannahWhittenly
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