Bicycle Safety Tips for Cyclists in NYC

If you love cycling then you can’t wait for summer months in NYC to get out on the road, or take a spin through Central Park. There are also many health-conscious individuals in New York who love to ride their bicycle to work, whether it be their own or a CitiBike.

Riding a bicycle can be great fun but you should be mindful of other vehicles using the roads as other than for a helmet, you are largely unprotected in the event of a crash. Although drivers are supposed to share the roads with cyclists, a lot of drivers feel differently, especially during rush hour peak traffic times.

Always wear a helmet when riding your bicycle on the road. It will protect your head in the unfortunate case of an accident. It can also prevent major head injuries. Yield to pedestrians just as you expect drivers to yield to you. Automobiles are required to yield to pedestrians. Cyclists should do the same regarding pedestrians. Ride to the right of the road with traffic to your left; riding with the flow of traffic, not against it. And always Keep your hands on the handlebar when riding on the road.

Make sure your cycle has a reflector in the rear and a white light in the front to make yourself highly visible to other drivers. You should never ride a bicycle after dark without a light on it. It’s also a good idea not to use headphones while cycling on the City streets as it prohibits you from hearing thins around you such as screeching tires, horns and emergency sirens. Just as the driver of a car, as a bicyclist you should also obey all traffic signs and signals.

Give Signals Using Your Hand

Cyclists do not have the luxury of a loud horn or traffic signals to alert other drivers on the road. You can easily be hit by a speeding car if you do not give an appropriate signal when approaching an intersection. Raise your left arm when turning left and right arm when turning right. Use your left arm to make an inverted L when you want to stop. Pay attention, especially at busy intersections for drivers who are distracted as they may not notice your hand signals.

Stay Alert When Riding on the Road

Talk to any NYC personal injury attorney and they will tell you that many car and truck accidents on the road occur because of the use of mobile phones by drivers. While you should not use your cell phone when riding your bicycle, you should also be careful about other distracted drivers who might hit you.

Distracted driving laws apply to bicyclists as well as drivers.

Is Your Bike Safe for The Road?

Finally, make sure that your bicycle is fit for riding on the road. Always check the brakes and air pressure in the tires when taking your bike out for a ride. Test your bike in the safety of your own property if it has not been used in a while.

If you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver it’s important that you speak to a personal injury lawyer in New York as soon as possible. It’s important to speak with an attorney who understands NYC laws regarding cyclists. Contact our office today!