The way you ride a bicycle in the city won’t be the same as the approach you take in a rural setting. There are specific tips you must follow when riding a bike in a congested area.
Here’s what you should do:
- Obey the rules of the road: For example, if you approach an intersection with a red light, stop just the same as the vehicles next to you. When you violate the law, you put yourself and others at risk of an accident.
- Watch for opening doors: Opening doors are every bit as serious as moving vehicles. Do your best to keep as much space as possible between your lane of travel and any vehicles that are parked on the side of the road. This helps minimize the risk of a dooring accident.
- Use a bicycle, when available: You won’t always have access to a bicycle lane, but when you do this is the safest place to travel. When you ride here, you won’t have nearly as many concerns about motor vehicles getting in your way. Tip: It’s safe to ride in a bicycle lane than on the sidewalk.
When you follow these tips, you’ll find it easier to bicycle safely in a city setting.
Should you suffer an injury at the hands of a negligent driver, move to safety, if possible, and call 911 to request an ambulance. This will lead you to receiving medical treatment. From there, you can file an insurance claim and take other steps to protect your legal rights.