Cycling is an excellent option for exercising, enjoying the fresh air, and commuting. However, bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries to cyclists hit by negligent drivers.
What are Wisconsin's Bicycle Safety Rules?
As you ride your bike in Appleton, Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, or any other area in Wisconsin, follow the following bicycle safety rules:
- Wear your helmet: 70 to 80 percent of bicycle accidents involve head injuries. Wearing helmets minimizes the possibility of sustaining head injuries. Always check for a Consumer Product Safety Committee sticker before purchasing a helmet.
- Go with the Flow: Cyclists should ride in the same direction as traffic, and by doing so, you'll be more visible, allowing other road users to respond appropriately and quickly. When cycling against traffic, you may miss the red and green lights or enter an intersection at an unsafe or improper time.
- Be Spatially Aware: Ride in a straight line without going off course and maintain at least 3 feet from parked vehicles to avoid "dooring accidents."
- Obey Traffic Laws: Even though you’re on a bike, you still have to obey the rules of the road. Don’t forget to stop at stop signs, signal when you’re turning, and always make sure you’re alert and aware of your surroundings.
- Stay Visible: When riding a bike a night you’re even less likely to be seen by motorists. To make sure you’re as noticeable as possible, use a reflector when riding at night.
Why is Bicycle Safety Important?
Although riding a bike may be fun, you can pick up serious injuries from a bike accident. Bike safety helps to make cycling enjoyable. Simple bicycle safety measures like wearing a helmet can reduce a significant proportion of bicycle accident fatalities.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
Several factors contribute to bicycle accidents in Wisconsin. Bicycles are not easy to see, and most riders are unfamiliar with road laws. However, even if road users are unfamiliar with road laws, it should not be used as an excuse. Here are some of the causes of bike accidents:
- Dangerous Roads: Unkempt roads cause 3% of bicycle accidents in the United States.
- Low Visibility: Bikes are small, and most drivers may be unable to see them, particularly at night.
- Distracted Driving: When drivers and riders use their phones or get distracted by other passengers, music, or thoughts, they may end up causing accidents.
- Failure to Yield: Right of way in crossing paths or where traffic merges can help prevent accidents. A bike accident is more likely to occur when a motorist fails to yield to a rider in a crosswalk or bike lane.
Bike Safety Tips
- Plan your route
- Pay attention
- Obey traffic signs
- Tie your shoelaces
- Avoid using your phone or listening to music while cycling
- Anticipate what other motorists may do and act appropriately
- Use the right-hand signals
- Ensure all parts of the bike are working
- Have rear and front lights during the day or at night
Contact a Wisconsin Bike Accident Attorney
At Natasha Misra Law, we want you and your loved ones to remain safe on the roads. However, we're ready to offer legal support if you get involved in an unexpected bicycle accident.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get treated fairly.
