Riding a bicycle leisurely or on your commute to work can be both rewarding and dangerous. It is important to know the best practices for riding a bicycle to ensure that you remain safe on the road.
In Washington state, bicyclist fatalities are rising. There was a 250% increase in bicyclist fatalities from 2022 to 2023. To prevent further fatalities, it is vital to understand the best safety practices someone can take when riding a bike on the road.
Traffic Laws
As a bicyclist, you have the same rights and responsibilities for all the same duties that a driver of a vehicle has. This means that as a bicyclist, you can be subjected to the same penalties as a driver of a vehicle if you are not following the rules of the road.
Some of the specific rules for bikes include:
- Using a light on the bike when it is dark
- The light must be visible from five hundred feet away
- The bike must be well-equipped with a brake
- Riders must go with the flow of traffic
- Riders must obey traffic signs and signals
Bicycle Safety Tips
There are bicycle safety tips bicyclists can follow to ensure that they remain safe on the road at all times:
- Wear a helmet and avoid riding with headphones
- Wearing the proper protective gear and removing distractions is an important way to stay safe on the road
- Use appropriate hand signals
- Communicating with drivers, pedestrians, and other bicyclists on the road can eliminate surprise accidents
- Be cognizant of road hazards
- Being aware of road hazards such as ice, debris, and gravel is important to avoid bicycle accidents
- Have routine maintenance on your bike
- Keeping your bike in good condition can save your life when tires and brakes work properly
GLP Attorneys Supports Bicyclist Safety
While bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of a vehicle, they also have the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. This helps protect bicyclists who are vulnerable on the road and at risk for injury.
GLP Attorneys’ bicycle injury lawyers have extensive experience with bike rider-related injury law and offer high-quality legal services for injured victims of bicycle collisions. Our lawyers stand ready to help you with your case today.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, call GLP Attorneys at 800.273.5005 or email us at attorneys@glpattorneys.com for a free lawyer consultation to ensure your rights are being protected and that any potential claims you may have are properly addressed.