Don’t become a statistic: bicycling safety tips for Texas cyclists

Galveston bicycle accident lawyers remind you that cyclists possess the same rights and responsibilities as the drivers of the other vehicles with which they share the road. Bicyclists should show an equal level of care for pedestrian safety as they expect motorists to show for cyclists. There are some safety tips and rules of the road you can use as guidelines to help keep you safe in an environment that heavily favors Texas motorists.

Equipment:

• Use mirrors.
• Get front and back lights for your bike.
• Always check your tire inflation, tire condition, and brakes before you ride.

Remember safe and appropriate riding behaviors:

• Don’t stop or ride in a vehicle’s blind spot.
• Ride with traffic, not against it.
• Don’t pass on the right.
• Use proper signaling. (Galveston bicycle accident lawyers note that for a left turn, you should stretch your left arm to the left. For a right turn, stretch your right arm to the right. For a stop, hold your left arm pointing downward.)
• Never move to the left or turn left without looking carefully behind you first.
• Don’t hug the curb; give yourself a little room to maneuver in case of emergency.

Wear proper clothing and safety gear:

• Wear a snugly-fitting bicycle helmet that meets current safety standards.
• Wear bright clothing, reflective clothing, and/or a reflective triangle when you ride.

Choose your route carefully:

• Don’t ride on sidewalks.
• Prefer wide streets for your route.
• Avoid busy streets on weekends.
• Avoid roadways with a speed limit above 55 mph.

The Galveston bicycle accident lawyers at Denena & Points wish you safe travels. You can check the TxDOT website and NHTSA website for further safety information for cyclists. And read our linked post on bicycle accident fatalities to remind yourself of the cyclist’s vulnerability and challenges on Texas roadways populated by aggressive and heeedless motor vehicle drivers.