Preventing bicycle accidents

Preventing bicycle accidents

The best way to protect against bike accidents is to avoid them all together.  For example, when have you heard of two elevators colliding? Never, because they are designed to stay in their track and only one car can be in the shaft.  Although you cannot isolate yourself like a elevator car while riding bicycle; you can minimize your exposure to hazards.  Ride away from oppositely traveling vehicles always, and keep good clearance from vehicles traveling in the same direction as you.  Here is a few pointers on how to minimize risk and avoid accidents.

Never assume they will maintain their lane, move over, or slow down, give them their way as if they will not see you there.

Look back only when it is safe to do so, as many riders will travel in the direction they turn their heads; often into traffic.

Keep away from the lane of traffic of any vehicle whenever possible, even if you must go on the grass or rough terrain and or slow down.

Use all of your senses to detect hazards and other vehicles; do not plug your ears or listen to music as hearing is a critical hazard detector (vehicles, animals, pedestrians, riders, etc.).  And, do not wear dark eyewear unless it is too bright to see well.

Plan your route, and take the reasonably safest path, even if it adds miles and time to your trip.

Ride during the day, in non-rush hours, and under dry conditions whenever possible, and watch the weather for the day before you ride.

Ride as if no one can see you.  Yield to vehicles or pedestrians as if they are trying to hit you.  Assume every driver is a distracted and unreasonable driver.

Stretch, and warm up prior to riding, and perform strength training often to maintain a adequate body strength in case you need to respond to a dire situation physically.  Swerving to avoid an obstacle or avoiding a fall can often depend on your body strength and fitness level.

Attempt to keep a low body weight, as it will help you to better bike and to have less mass in the event of a crash.

Keep your equipment, bike, and gear in good working condition, as good brakes, tires, quality sports wear may prevent an accident.

Keep hydrated, rested, energized (with food) and fit; these will keep you alert and help you make better decisions and take accident avoiding action.

Keep your protective equipment on while riding, including helmet, eyewear, gloves, and proper clothes and shoes.

Helmets are proven to minimize severe head injury, gloves generally give you better grip and will protect your skin in case of a fall, eyewear is important because bugs and debris are abound in open air, and flexible and weather-appropriate clothing can be critical for sudden maneuvers.

Proper shoes are highly recommended as they may help you keep your feet on the pedals, and protect your feet in case of a fall or crash. 

Wear bright colored clothes; it helps other see you. 

Also, wear bright colored gloves and signal your intentions like turning, yielding, stopping, or going ahead; communication helps a lot. 

Don’t get curved in.  Don’t remain on a narrow shouldered road that has a curve (raised concrete step); as getting off the road is difficult when these are present, and may prevent you from avoiding traffic.