Commuter Safety Tips for Cyclists
Whether you’re a lawyer or a student, cycling can be a great way to stay in shape. Choosing to commute to work or school via bicycle will not only help you stay in shape, but it can also save you a lot of money. Cycling to work or school can be beneficial, but it also has its risks. Whether you’re commuting in Provo, Utah or another city, following safety rules around cars can help you avoid an auto accident.
Always Wear a Helmet
Helmets can be annoying to wear. They are unfashionable and they can mess up your hair, however, they could also save your life. It doesn’t matter how good of a cyclist you are, you can’t control the cars that share the road with you in Provo. If you’re involved in an auto accident, your helmet can be the difference between life and death — so wear it always.
Ride on the Right Side of the Road
As a cyclist, you are subject to all the same road laws as motor vehicles, even if you’re a lawyer or politician. To avoid an auto accident, ride on the right side of the road. Take advantage of riding in the shoulder when you can, but if there isn’t a shoulder — and there often isn’t — you should ride in the lane with traffic.
By law, drivers in Provo should give you three feet of space when they pass you on the road even if you’re in their lane. This extra space for cyclists could help prevent an auto accident. If you do find yourself in an accident involving a car, talk to a lawyer for help.
Avoid Riding on the Sidewalk
When there isn’t a comfortable shoulder or bike lane to ride on, sometimes it’s tempting to ride on the sidewalk. However, riding on the sidewalk can be dangerous for pedestrians. On the sidewalk, cyclists don’t have a lot of options if pedestrians are walking in their path; as a cyclist, you either have to swerve off the sidewalk or risk hitting the pedestrian.
Depending on the terrain in Provo, dodging off the sidewalk can be dangerous for you. On the other hand, hitting a pedestrian can be dangerous for both you and the pedestrian. It’ll be better to avoid this risk entirely by riding on the road. A lawyer can protect you if you follow the rules, but if you hit a pedestrian on the sidewalk, it’ll make your lawyer’s job difficult.
Learn How to Signal
As a cyclist, you ride much slower than motor vehicles, so signaling is important. If you’re going to share the road with motor vehicles, you’ll be safer if you let those around you know your intentions. Review the correct cycling hand signals before starting to commute. Talk to your lawyer — he or she will be able to teach you the correct hand signals.
Following these basic cycling rules will help reduce the risk of an auto accident while commuting to and from work or school in Provo. There will always be some risk when cycling on the roads, but if you stay vigilant you can have a safe experience.
Joshua Valdivia is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.
