According to an important report on the impact of global warming, one of the ways to save our planet is to cycle more often. If you are an avid cyclist you can no doubt list a whole load of reasons why we should be out cycling. Still, it is significant that by using your bicycle more often or instead of your car you will help preserve the environment.
Perhaps the idea of cycling to work and helping the planet appeals to you. Maybe you see the economic and health advantages of using your bicycle more often. Either way, you are to be commended for wanting something good for yourself and the planet.
However, know this, riding your bicycle comes with some risks. It seems that there is an overall trend for lower vehicle accidents but there is an increase in the fatality of those who do have an accident.
This article is an essential part of your education when it comes to avoiding bike accidents.
Avoid Bike Accidents
Never forget this most basic principle. It will help prevent accidents, and it could save your life. If another vehicle, bicycle, person, or animal cannot see you, then there is a big chance they will hit you.
Bicycle safety is not just about what you can see. Of course, that is very important and we will talk about that more in a moment. Try to develop a mindset where you are thinking about your visibility in the eyes of others.
For example, one of the causes of accidents is when people open their car doors onto a cyclist. They are not thinking about the cyclist and they do not look. Avoid this by accepting that overtaking a stationary car on the inside is risky and assume they will not see you.
Create Visibility
Sadly some drivers look but they do not see. This seems to be especially true at intersections. Drivers can rear-end cyclists or cut into them across the intersection.
If a driver isn’t paying attention then it is inevitable some accidents will happen. However, you can create visibility and make it a little easier for others. This comes down to wearing high visibility clothing out markings that will catch the attention of others, even if it is at the last moment it could still save you from a nasty accident.
The Elephant and the Mouse
Okay, so what has an elephant and a mouse got to do with bicycle accidents? Imagine you are the mouse and other cars are the elephant. If you have ever seen an elephant in real life it is an awesome experience and you quickly realize how fragile we are in comparison to them.
It would only take one misguided step by an elephant and you will get crushed. With a real elephant you are wise to always keep your distance, even if the elephant moves toward you, you instinctively move away for fear of being squashed.
Keep your distance from other vehicles. Maintain proper respect for their potential to hurt you. If they slow down, it is wise to slow down and keep maneuvering into plenty of space.
Side swiping occurs when cars cut across cyclists when turning or moving left. It is true they have a responsibility to look out for other vehicles but far better for you to make sure you maintain your distance. If you sense a car moving up behind you then be aware and slow down into a position of space.
It is unwise to try and dominate a space that you feel you have the right to. Maybe there is truth to your viewpoint but in a conflict between an elephant and a mouse, there is only one loser.
Weather You Like It or Not
If you are a die-hard cyclist then perhaps the weather will not put you off. The fact is that bad weather increases your chance of an accident. Bad weather conditions decrease visibility for divers and that’s bad news for you.
Reduced visibility is not the only issue. Wet and icy surfaces mean your stability on the road is less than normal. There will be a risk of skidding and slipping off your bicycle so make sure you slow down and are even more cautious than normal.
Einstein’s Time and Space
Einstein is not exactly famous for being an avid cyclist. However, his groundbreaking theory about relativity applies in principle to cycling accidents. Where space is confined or restricted, the time you have to react is less and the potential for an accident, therefore, is much higher.
Watch out for walkways, driveways, pedestrian areas, and anywhere where the space is restricted or narrow. It is better to slow down in such areas because when you add speed to the equation then the time you have to react to potential danger is even less.
You can’t break the laws of physics but you certainly can break a leg.
Fatal Distraction
It is sad to say, another common cause of accidents is that the cyclist may be the one who is distracted. Perhaps thinking about other things and not concentrating on the road to the proper degree.
Another distraction can be audio devices. Some are listening to music and other audio files and cannot fully hear what is going on around them. Don’t be distracted, make your concentration on the road your priority.
Bike Accidents Happen – Be Prepared and Be Safe
If you are unfortunate to have a bike accident then it is good to think now about what you need to do. Be prepared for an accident because the reality is you will most likely have some sort of accident but if you are thinking about this now your safety awareness is going to improve and help keep you from safe from anything serious happening.
If you keep in mind these common causes of bike accidents as discussed in this article, you are doing much to be well prepared. Now from bike accidents to golf. You can check out other interesting articles like this one: ‘Two Tips to Help You Play Better Golf.’
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