Bakersfield, the most populous city in Kern County, is famous for a range of things. Right from being
the birthplace of legendary musicians like Buck Owens and Merle Haggard to offering exciting spots
for hiking, camping, and water sports, Bakersfield has them all.
But Bakersfield has a darker side, especially for bicyclists. The city ranks 11 th among the most
dangerous cities in the US for cyclists. It sees approximately 293 fatalities per 100,000 commuters.
Bicycle accident victims have a range of difficulties to deal with. From physical injuries to property
damage to emotional disturbances, the hardships a bicycle accident victim goes through are
numerous. In such situations, the services of experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Bakersfield are
invaluable.
Yes, knowing what to do after an accident is important, so is fighting for your rights. But there is one
that is more important than both: avoiding bicycle accidents.
If you’re someone who uses a bicycle for your daily commute, this article is for you. It lists six simple
things that you can do to completely avoid bicycle accidents. Rather than survive a bicycle accident
and face the consequences afterwards, incorporating these tips into your daily routine will help
avoid accidents all together.
Eliminate distractions
Distracted driving isn’t just for car and truck drivers. It is applicable for bicyclists as well.
Unlike car or truck drivers, bicyclists don’t have a metal covering to soften the impact of collisions.
This makes being attentive on the road all the more important.
The streets are filled with distractions. It is easy for bicyclists to stare at something that catches their
attention and end up in a crash.
Then there are the music lovers who blast their favorite tunes in high volume on their headphones.
Some might get so carried away with the music that they might end up crashing into a parked car or
something else.
Some bicyclists may be so deep in thought that they forget they’re driving on a busy street.
All the scenarios mentioned above are recipes for disaster.
Bicyclists should take care to concentrate on the road in order to avoid accidents.
Wear reflective clothing
Few things are important to a bicyclist as reflective clothing. These specialized pieces of clothing are
designed to improve the bicyclists’ visibility. These clothes usually appear in light green, yellow, or
orange and can be worn over regular clothing.
Another way to improve visibility is by installing bright strips on cycling gear like a helmet or the
bicycle itself.
All the elements above will come in handy when riding in low-light conditions.
Bicycle maintenance
Maintenance is an important part of owning any vehicle, let alone a bicycle. Bicyclists should run
periodic checks to identify potential problems.
Regularly maintaining your bicycle will extend its life and make sure your trips are safe.
In addition to periodic maintenance, it helps to check parts like brakes, wheels, and tire pressure
every time you take your bicycle out for a spin.
Stay away from busy roads
Do yourself a favor and avoid busy roads when you head out with your bicycle. Drivers who’re stuck
in traffic have a lot going on and are more prone to road rage. The frustration of being stuck in traffic
may make the situation worse.
On top of that, busy roads don’t offer a lot of room for bicyclists. So, avoiding busy roads takes a
huge chunk of the risk out of riding a bicycle.
Proper use of hand signals
Proper signaling is instrumental for a safe trip. It is important for you to make the right hand signals
throughout the trip.
Proper signaling at the right time will be beneficial to everyone you share the road with.
In addition to making the right signals, it is also important to look out for your fellow bicyclists’
signals as well.
Follow traffic rules
Traffic rules apply to everyone on the road. This includes pedestrians and bicyclists as well.
Bicyclists are expected to follow traffic rules like others on the road. Stop at red lights, yield to other
vehicles, and anticipate the movements of other vehicles to make your journey a safe one.
