As the weather gets warmer in Connecticut, more people ride their bicycles for exercise or to travel between home and work. This makes May the perfect time of year for Bicycle Safety Month.
If you ride a bicycle, you know that preventing getting into an accident on busy roadways is a top concern. Here are some ways to stay safe while cycling.
Wear a helmet
Wearing a helmet is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself should you get into an accident. However, many people simply do not wear one, either due to perceived comfort issues or for some other reason. Wearing a well-fitted helmet can make the difference between life and death for a cyclist.
Know the rules
If you are riding on public roads with vehicle traffic, you must follow the rules of the road. This includes:
- Stopping for stop signs
- Riding with the flow of traffic
- Making turn signals with your arms and hands
- Yielding to pedestrians
While accidents cannot be completely prevented, being aware of and following the rules keeps everyone safer.
How to protect yourself while biking
Drivers of cars, trucks and buses have a lot of distractions behind the wheel. They could be using their cell phone, GPS, changing the radio or eating, which all pose a serious risk while driving. It is more important than ever for bicyclists to stand out while biking to help motorists see you on the road. Here are some ways you can increase your visibility while biking:
- Attach a blinking light on the back and front of your bicycle
- Wear bright colored clothing
- Avoid wearing ear pods to be able to hear vehicles around you
Motorists are responsible for their behavior behind the wheel. But knowing how to stay safe while cycling can help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident.
