Riding a bicycle is a great way to get some exercise. It improves your health and reduces health care costs for everyone. It also helps the environment and lowers the cost of gas through less demand and reduces the cost and frequency of road repairs because of less wear and tear on the road. However, there are risks for bicyclists and drivers when a bicycle is on the road. That is why we at the offices of personal injury attorney Matthew Erjavec P.A. in Bradenton, FL, have put together these suggestions for making the roads safer for everyone.
For the Bicyclist
Wear a helmet. This is the single best way to protect yourself if a collision were to occur. Your brain is the most important part of you, and a helmet may not only save your life but also ensure that you have a continued high quality of life.
Be visible. Wearing bright colored clothes will help drivers see you. A traffic safety vest might be your best accessory. Using lights during the day may also draw attention to you on the road. If you are visible, drivers will be wary as they pass.
Always ride to the right. While Florida laws says you must ride as far to the right as is practical given safety considerations, it is always a good idea to make sure that you stay to the right as much as possible.
Ride single file. It is fun to talk to your friend while riding, but riding single file is safer. It is also required by law.
For the Driver
For the DriverGive the bicyclist 3 feet. Florida law requires that you give the bicyclist 3 feet of space when you pass. On a normal lane that is 14 feet wide, you can do this while staying in your own lane. On a road where the lanes are 12 or 11 feet, you must change lanes to pass the bicyclist. Use your blinker, look for oncoming traffic, and make the pass safely for you and the cyclist. Remember: Your car has a draft; bicycles face hazards you don’t see. A bicyclist could fall over at the moment of your passing, which could result in a collision that you don’t want.
In a car versus bicycle collision, the driver will always come out healthier with a vehicle that still runs. The cyclist may have severe injuries, even from a low speed collision. They just don’t have 2 tons of steel protecting them.
If you do hit a bicyclist, a car accident attorney in Bradenton, FL, might be able to help you mount a defense, but it is better for everyone involved if the accident never happens. It may be good to keep in mind that bicyclists are helping you as a driver. They are keeping the air clean and keeping gas prices down. It may also help to remember that they have to do a lot to keep their vehicle moving. All you need to do is push your foot down a little to go a lot faster. They may be causing a moment of inconvenience, but they are giving more back than most people realize.