Bicycling can be a great way to get around and enjoy the outdoors. A huge spike in bicycle sales due to the COVID pandemic gave this form of exercise, pastime, and transportation a new life. With more bicycle riders on the road, it is more important than ever to be vigilant when driving around town. Though it is typically a safe activity, a fun bike ride could turn into a severe injury when both bicyclists and drivers do not pay proper attention on the road.
There are several things that must be done as routine when riding a bicycle to ensure your safety.
Wear a helmet
One of the most important things you can do when riding a bicycle is wearing your helmet. While it may feel like second nature to put on your helmet before you ride your bike, it should be just as routine to replace your helmet after a crash. An article in 2020 by the U.S. News and World Report found that bike fatalities reached a 25-year high in California last year and the nation as a whole saw a rise in bicycle related deaths.
Check for cracks
If your head hits the ground during an accident, then you should consider replacing your helmet. Even if you do not see any damage, there could be small cracks in the foam or plastic that will not support you next time.
Inspect your helmet thoroughly for cracks or weak spots if you are in a crash and your head does not hit another object. It might still be safe to use if the helmet did not make an impact and does not have any visible damage.
Replace old helmets
If you have not replaced your helmet in the last five to ten years, it is time. Some people go years without experiencing a bicycle accident so they feel that their helmet is safe. Replacing it can ensure that the helmet is protecting you fully because overtime the foam in the helmet begins to degrade. You want to make sure whatever is protecting your head is in proper condition all the time.
Check your equipment
Check things like your bicycle brakes and tires before taking rides to make sure that they are still in good condition. An M check done routinely will make sure you do not miss anything wrong with your bicycle. The M check is a basic safety check of all the main working parts of a bike, moving from the front hub backwards. The check is named after the way you follow the shape of the letter M when checking the bike. It begins with the rear then front wheels, the rear derailleur, the back brakes and then front brakes, the seat post, the front derailleur, the bottom bracket, the pedals and finally the headset. With practice, this check will be easy and second nature.
What to do if you are in a bicycle accident
Navigating a bicycle accident claim is no easy task. On top of trying to heal from your injuries, you may also be worried about how to prove who was at fault so you can pursue the compensation needed to pay for your out-of-pocket expenses. Dealing with insurance companies is no easy task and takes a qualified
attorney who knows how to fight and get you tested for your injuries as well as fight to get the compensation you deserve,
This is where an experienced attorney will be able to manage your case and get you what you are entitled to in terms of a proper settlement. Your attorney will be able to review the exact details of your case and determine what caused your accident and who is liable for your damages. If you need help with a bicycle or any type of accident call 877-PAYAMLA for a free consultation.
