7 Bicycle Safety Tips for the Family
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
In Florida, we have the advantage of year-round sunshine. The weather is even nicer during the fall and winter months, prompting many impromptu family bike rides to enjoy the beautiful weather. If this sounds like your family, here are 7 bicycle safety tips to remember to stay safe on the roadways.Inspect the Bike
Before heading out, check the air in the bike tires to ensure they are inflated and are in good condition. You should also take some extra time to check the brakes and the chains as well. If anything is worn out or broken, make sure to make all the necessary repairs before heading out.
Use Designated Bike Lanes
When on your bikes, make sure to use designated bike lanes and use roads that feature bike paths and have less traffic. You should also follow all road rules and signs as well and pay close attention to your surroundings.
Wear a Helmet
Children and adults alike should wear a helmet while riding their bikes. Under Florida law, a bike rider has to wear a helmet when they are under sixteen years of age. The helmet must be securely fastened by a strap and properly fitted. Additionally, the helmet must also meet federal safety standards.
We highly recommend helmet-wearing for everyone over the age of sixteen as well. If you are unsure what size helmet to purchase, check the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute for tips and suggestions on the proper fit.
Increase Visibility
When driving at night or right before nightfall, you want to make sure to increase your visibility as much as possible. This means everyone should use reflectors for nighttime riding. The reflectors should be on the bike as well as your gear.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
When biking, pay close attention to your surroundings. This means being aware of parked cars and door zones. You don't want to ride by a parked car at the same time the driver or passenger is opening their car door. This can cause an accident. Never rely on the motorist seeing you. Proceed with caution, slow down, and pay attention.
Always Stay Focused
No matter what, always stay focused. You want to avoid distractions while you bike as much as possible, just like you would if you were operating a motor vehicle. If you are riding with your children, make sure they don't allow their phones or music to distract them from the bike ride.
When crossing driveways, always watch for cars. When leaving your driveway, watch for cars. Never make a turn without stopping and looking, obey all traffic signs, yield the right-of-way, and never ride your bike while impaired or distracted. Doing so can lead to disaster.
Watch for Road Hazards
Even if you and your family take the same bike ride down the same roads each week, you still need to be aware of your surroundings and the possibility of road hazards. You never know when something can pop up that threatens to derail your bike ride. Always pay close attention to the path you take.
If you follow these easy and straightforward bike safety tips for the family, you will find that bike riding can be a safe and regular family outing. Just remember that you are sharing the road with other bike riders, pedestrians, and motorists, and a certain level of care needs to be followed to keep everyone safe.
However, accidents do still happen. If you or a loved one were involved in an accident due to another's negligence, you might be entitled to compensation. Before filing your claim, discuss your case with an experienced personal injury attorney in St Petersburg to see what you can do.