The city’s roads are getting friendlier for cyclists, but dangers still lurk around every corner. Bicycle safety and preventative measures in Huntsville can help smart riders take control of their own safety.
If you were injured in a cycling crash, our experienced bike accident attorneys at Siniard Law, LLC, are ready to help. Our team could assist you with your case so that you have more time to recover from your accident.
Do You Need To Wear a Helmet Every Time?
A helmet reduces your risk of a serious head injury by about 70%. This state only requires helmets for riders under the age of 16, but adults need them just as much to protect themselves from head injuries. This preventative measure greatly benefits cyclists in Huntsville.
Be Visible to Drivers
Most drivers are not watching out for cyclists, and you need to force them to see you when you are cycling on the road. Fluorescent yellow, orange, and lime green colors stand out against typical road backgrounds, so it is best to keep the black cycling outfit for the gym.
State law requires bikes to have a white front light and red rear reflector when riding at night, but you should try to go beyond these rules. Add flashing rear lights, reflective tape on your frame, and reflective strips on your clothing as preventative measures to improve your safety on Huntsville roads.
Follow Traffic Laws
Bicycles count as vehicles under Ala. Code § 32-5A-260, so you must obey the same rules as cars. Running red lights or stop signs might save you 30 seconds, but it could also cost you your life.
Ride in the same direction as traffic and not against it. Cycling in the wrong direction makes you nearly invisible to drivers who may not expect bikes coming from that direction.
Signal your turns and stops, as drivers can not anticipate your actions. Stick your left arm out for left turns, and your right arm out for right turns to signal what direction you are turning to the other vehicles on the road. These laws help improve safety for bicyclists in Huntsville.
Use Bike Lanes When Available
Huntsville continues to expand its bike lane network, offering safer routes separated from car traffic. Stay within lane markings and only merge into vehicle lanes when turning or avoiding obstacles.
Keep your movements predictable for drivers, and watch intersections carefully as you approach them on your bike. Some bike lanes end in these intersections, and drivers often overlook cyclists when making turns.
Avoid Common Danger Zones
Intersections cause the majority of bicycle accidents. Drivers turning right often do not check for bikes on the right side of their vehicle. In addition, left-turning drivers sometimes cut across bike lanes without looking.
Always make eye contact with drivers before entering intersections. If a driver is not looking at you, you should assume they do not see you on your bike. Wait until you are certain they have noticed you before proceeding.
It is also important to watch for car doors opening in your path when biking on Huntsville streets. People sometimes do not check their vehicle’s mirrors before they open their car door, and it is difficult to see people within a parked vehicle when biking down the street. It is best to give parked cars at least three feet of space when passing them.
Maintain Your Bicycle
Check your brakes before every ride by squeezing both levers to make sure they engage properly. It is good practice to keep your tires properly inflated, as soft tires make handling sluggish and increase the risk of a flat tire on your bike. Check your bike’s tire pressure often, such as each week.
You should also lubricate your bike’s chain regularly. A dry chain can slip or break when you need power the most when biking on Huntsville streets. Test your gears regularly to ensure smooth shifting and a safe ride.
Ride Defensively
When biking on Huntsville roads, you should assume every driver is about to do something dangerous. This mindset keeps you alert and ready to react. Do not trust turn signals or assume that all drivers will yield right-of-way to you on the road.
Position yourself where you can swerve or brake if a driver makes a sudden error. Potholes, gravel, and wet leaves can cause even the most experienced cyclists to have an accident. It is good practice to scan 20 feet ahead of you so that you have time to avoid hazards on the road.
Stay Focused
Texting while cycling is as dangerous as texting while driving a vehicle. You cannot react to sudden threats on the road if you are staring down at a small screen.
You should also not wear headphones while cycling. You need to hear approaching cars, emergency sirens, and other warning sounds to stay safe while biking in Huntsville.
Contact a Lawyer To Discuss Safety Measures After a Bike Collision in Huntsville
Negligent drivers cause accidents even when cyclists do everything right. When accidents happen despite your best efforts, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Siniard Law, LLC, fights for cyclists who practice bicycle safety and preventative measures in Huntsville but still suffer injuries from careless drivers. Contact our firm today for a free case evaluation.
