Collision Avoidance Techniques For Those On A Bicycle
Collision Avoidance Techniques For Those On A Bicycle
Riding a bicycle comes with many benefits but also comes with many hazards. For example, being involved in a collision with a car, truck or motorcycle or other type of vehicle can prove catastrophic. This is simply due to the fact that those riding a bicycle have virtually no protection from the road or from impact with other vehicles. Consider these collision avoidance techniques as a way to stay safe.
Totally Alert To The Surrounding Environment
For example, it is advised to never wear headphones or other similar types of devices while riding a bicycle. This can impede one’s ability to hear vehicles and to be totally alert to the surrounding environment. In short, wearing headphones or listening to music while riding a bicycle is a distraction that has caused many injuries and loss of life over the years. Equally important is to always maintain one’s hands on the handlebars at all times. The only exception to this rule is when signaling to turn.
Ride Single File When Riding As A Group
An additional aspect of staying safe when riding a bicycle is to always keep both feet on the pedals. A bicycle should be operated as it was intended. This includes keeping feet on the pedals and hands on the handlebars. When riding on the road it is always recommended by experts that bicyclists ride single file when riding as a group. In addition, those riding in a group as well as those riding solo should always ride with the flow of traffic. This is a proven strategy for reducing the incidence of accidents that can easily occur when bicyclists and motor vehicles share the road.
Riding Just After Sunrise And Prior To Sunset
Finally, wearing brightly colored clothing and a brightly colored helmet can greatly enhance safety. This combined with wearing reflective material and using reflective material on a bicycle can make bicyclists highly visible to road traffic. Bicyclists that are about to enter a roadway should always stop and look both ways and exercise extreme caution. Bicyclists should also avoid riding just after sunrise and prior to sunset. This is a period of time when lighting is poor and when accidents are more likely to occur.