May is National Bike Month, according to the League of American Bicyclists. Traveling by bicycle can be a fun recreational activity and good for your health. Though there are many benefits to biking, we still live in a motor vehicle-oriented nation. You should take some precautions to protect yourself and avoid a car accident while traveling by bicycle.
Although the list below is not legal advice, here are some tips from the League and other bike sources for how to avoid a car or pedestrian accident:
- Stay visible, with neon clothing and reflectors, and with lights when it’s dark
- Stay away from the busiest streets if possible
- Follow laws, including yielding rights-of-way, stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic signals
- Make your intentions to turn or change lanes clear to motorists
- Bike defensively, and don’t expect drivers to know you are there or to know your intentions
- Stay off the sidewalks and stick to bike lanes in the street or to designated bike paths
- If safe, provide room for a door to unexpectedly open when traveling beside parked cars
In Orlando and across the state, more and more miles of bike lanes and bike paths are being created every year. As more people enjoy the benefits of biking, take some time to adopt the above safety habits and avoid the accident injures that can occur in collisions between bikes and cars.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle, pedestrian or car accident, please contact the Law Offices of Michael Barszcz, M.D., J.D., to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Orlando accident lawyer.