According to the Local Highway Traffic Security Administration NHTSA, 784 bicyclists were killed in 2005 while riding their bikes. In 2004, there were 725 deaths, and for the 4 years previous, annual bicycling deaths ranted from 629 to 732 people each year. Statistics for bicycling injuries are not readily available, since most do not get reported. Use the Correct Tools 1. Be sure your bicycle fits you properly and is adjusted for your size.
Equip your bicycle with security equipment: a clean headlight preferably one you can set to a flashing mode for use during the daytime to make you more visible, reflectors and or or reflective tape or markings, a flashing yellow rear light essential for riding at night, a horn or a bell to release audible signals to let drivers have knowledge of where you areor that youre there at all, and mirrors on your handlebars. Each time, prior to you ride, confirm to look that tires are properly inflated, that the brakes work, and that nothing is loose on your bike. Always wear a properly fitted bicycle helmet to protect you in case of a fall or crash. Think about putting a mirror on your helmet, too. Wear bright, neon colors and or or reflective clothingeven during the day.
At night, wear a reflective jacket or vest or a security triangle. Have knowledge of the rules regarding the path and any critical bicycling rules for your region 8. System to venture in slow or residential regions when likely to stay away from fast-moving downtown traffic. Stay away from narrow roads and opt for large roads where there is more space for bicycles and cars to maneuver whether you can. Dont ride with headphones or an ipod.
And NEVER use your cell phone while biking! 11. Not ever be in a hurry. When youre in a hurry, you can get careless or take unnecessary chances. It also creates it more likely that you should be darting in and out quickly and automobile drivers may not even look you. Use your headlighteven during the dayso drivers hold an improved chance of seeing you.
Use your mirrors so you have knowledge of what is going on around you at all times. Ride on the street with other traffic, not on the sidewalk, traveling within similar direction as motor vehicle traffic, not against it. Knowand usehand signals. Be sure to release plenty of notice in advance of when you can be going to make a turn. Then be sure to look over your shoulder to be sure your path is clean prior to creating the actual turn.
Be consistent and predictable so motorists have knowledge of what you can be going to do. Drive in a straight line. Dont swerve, weave in and out of traffic or parked cars, or make any erratic or sudden moves. Obey traffic signs, signals, and path markings and yield to pedestrians just like any other vehicle on the roadway. Use your horn or bell whether you can be crossing in front of another vehicle so you release an audible signalits more likely to obtain the other motorists attention.
Make eye contact with motorists if possible, so you have knowledge of that they look you. Watch for hazards for example pot holes, puddles, loose gravel, spare car parts, drain grates, rocks, litter or garbage, parked cars opening their doors, pets running loose, and other vehicles. Ride to the left regarding the parking lane to stay away from hitting a car door that opens unexpectedly in front of you. At a yellow light, stop behind another car. Do not pull up next to first car at the light where you can be within the blind spot and risk getting hit if the car creates a right turn and the driver doesnt have knowledge of youre there.
When you follow a vehicle that is moving slow, be patient. It should be getting ready to make a turn. Dont try to rush past it or get up beside it within the drivers blind spot. Always look behind you over your shoulder prior to creating a turnfor other vehicles, for other bicycles, and for pedestrians. Always look behind you over your shoulder prior to you change your position within the lane of traffic, like a vehicle should be getting ready to return alongside you or pass you.
Not ever swerve in and out of traffic or in and out regarding the parking lane. Maintain steady placement in your lane. Double confirm everything! Even whether you own the right of way, a car or other vehicle is many larger than a bicycle and for that you own safety, you own to be prepared to yield at all times. Always drive, ride, and act as if other drivers cant look you! Place your security first.
No comments:
Post a Comment