Roused from Hibernation

Spring has arrived, and that means the reemergence of bicyclists in many parts of the country. But the winter-to-spring transition can be perilous.      Motorists sometimes let down their guard in watching for bicyclists since they’ve been sparse for a few months — that’s not a good excuse, just reality. As with motorcyclists, visibility issues loom large. Spring showers can further limit visibility, as can early-morning and twilight lighting, rendering bicyclists more vulnerable to harm.

Some simple precautions can help keep bicyclists from becoming an accident statistic:

• Wear a helmet! Laws vary from state to state, municipality to municipality. According to National Institutes of Health studies, wearing a helmet reduces the likelihood of a serious head injury by 60%; traumatic brain injury, 53%; facial injury, 23%; and fatalities and overall serious injuries, 34%.

• In all 50 states, bicycles are either classified as vehicles or bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Obey all traffic laws, and move to the far right of the road when motor vehicles are passing.

• Ride sober, over 20% of bicyclist fatalities included bicyclist impairment (NHTSA).

• Never assume a motorist sees you.

• Wear a brightly colored helmet and clothing that are also reflective to improve visibility.

• Equip your bike with lights and reflectors, properly inflate the tires, and practice good maintenance.

• Avoid distractions: music, podcasts, cell phones, etc.

• Check the weather forecast before heading out.

• Give proper clearance to parked cars to avoid “dooring” — you’re riding along, a door suddenly opens in your path, you hit it (or swerve left), and mayhem ensues.

If you suffer a bicycling injury due to someone else’s negligence, contact our firm to protect your rights.