Cycling can be a wonderful way to get around New York. It has many benefits. It’s a good way to get some exercise while keeping your carbon footprint low. It’s really enjoyable on those beautiful sunny days, especially as we move into Spring.
As enjoyable as it is, it doesn’t come without risks. It shouldn’t be all down to you to think about how to keep yourself safe when sharing the road with other vehicles but it’s a good idea to always be mindful of how you can protect yourself.
Ride your bike like you’d drive a car
When you’re using the road it’s a good idea to think of yourself just like any other road user. This means making sure you’re:
- Riding your bike the same way as the rest of the traffic and never against it
- Obeying the traffic lights and other road signs
- Follow the road markings and make sure you keep in the correct lane for the direction you’re traveling
- Give as much advance notice as you can when you’re signaling to turn
Make yourself as visible as possible
Accidents often happen because other road users fail to see cyclists on the road. There are some ways that you can help to make yourself seen as much as you can.
- Wear reflective clothing where possible and always brightly colored. Dark clothing can be difficult to see in poor weather and at night
- Equip your bike with the proper headlights and reflectors
- Avoid passing vehicles on the right where they cannot see you
Even when you do everything right, accidents can still happen when you’re sharing the road with drivers who are not paying enough attention. You can seek a payment of compensation if you’ve been injured as a result of another driver’s negligence.