Is riding a bicycle a passion of yours or have you recently gotten back into the activity as a form of exercise? Maybe you believe that cycling could help reduce the negative impacts your driving could have on the environment, even if just in a small way. Whatever the reason, you find yourself on your bicycle more now than ever.
Though cycling can certainly be a pleasant activity, it is one that presents dangers. You could easily suffer injuries in a bicycle accident, and if that accident involves a vehicle, the likelihood of you suffering serious injuries increases substantially. As a result, you want to do your part to stay as safe as possible while cycling.
Start with your equipment
If biking is a new hobby or one that you only participate in occasionally, you may not feel the need to jump straight for the latest model or one with major bells and whistles. However, you still need to make sure that your bike and other equipment starts you off on the right foot for a safe outing.
For starters, you can make adjustments to your bike as needed. Make sure to check the position and height of your seat and lock it into place once you have the desired position. Go over each part of your bicycle to make sure chains, brakes, tires and other parts are in working order. You may even want to ensure that you have reflectors on various parts of your bike to ensure better visibility.
Protect your body
Though you may never have as much protection as a cyclist as you would inside a car, you can help yourself protect your body, especially your head. Your helmet will play a vital role in protecting your head and brain from serious injuries, but you have to make sure you wear it correctly. A helmet that slides around on the head is not secure and does not offer optimal protection. Making sure your helmet fits correctly could go a long way in offering better protection.
Pay attention to road rules
Even as a cyclist, the rules of the road apply to you. You should always cycle with the flow of traffic and not against it. Always make sure that you remain focused and avoid distractions. Make eye contact with drivers to make sure they see you, and always use hand signals before making turns.
Unfortunately, even with your best safety efforts, you could still suffer serious injuries due to a negligent driver. If so, it may be in your interests to consider your legal options for seeking compensation for damages permitted under Oregon state law.