Cycling is not only a sport for recreation and health, but many Chicagoans are now using bicycles as an alternative means of transportation. While this is great for a much “greener” way to live, it doesn’t come without risks to a cyclist’s health and safety. To stay safe, cyclists should follow some basic safety rules and tips to ensure that they are not involved in a bicycle accident which is often quite serious, and at times can be deadly.
At America’s Consumer Lawyer, we represent clients in Illinois who have suffered personal injuries from a bicycle accident, as well as family members who have lost a loved one in a road accident caused by negligent or reckless conduct of another person. We know that when a bicycle collides with a vehicle weighing at least 2,000 pounds, the odds are not in the cyclist’s favor and the results can be tragic.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Chicago bicycle accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and determine if you have a valid personal injury claim or wrongful death claim against a reckless or negligent driver. If you were injured in a bicycle accident, contact America’s Consumer Lawyer, for a free consultation.
Bicycle Safety Rules and Tips
Whether you ride your bicycle for recreation, health reasons, or as a commuter, it is important that you are familiar with cycling rules and tips to keep yourself, and others, safe. These include:
- Follow the rules of the road – In Illinois, like most states, bicycles are considered a vehicle just like cars, trucks, SUV’s, and motorcycles. As a cyclist you are tasked with understanding and following the law as much as a motor vehicle driver, including, but not limited to, riding on the street unless you are with children under the age of 10, riding in the direction of traffic, and using proper hand signals for turning and merging.
- Wear a helmet – Each municipality in Illinois has its own laws on cyclists wearing helmets, but the truth is, most adult cyclists do not wear them. Every cyclist should wear this important protective device, and you should ensure that the helmet is endorsed by the U.S. Consumer Product-Safety Commission. In addition, you should check your helmet for any damages prior to taking to the roads and if you are involved in an accident, it is important to get a new helmet.
- Use care at intersections – According to statistics, approximately half of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections. When approaching an intersection, scan for other vehicles and assume they will not see you. Follow all signs and traffic control devices and make sure to properly signal to other drivers when you are ready to turn.
- Make sure you are visible to motorists – A driver that can’t see you is more likely to hit you. Wear reflective, bright clothing and your bicycle should be equipped with proper lighting and reflectors, especially if you ride during dawn, dusk, or at night.
- Never ride your bicycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol – Cyclists are at a disadvantage when they take to the roadways because of their size and decreased visibility. Riding while under the influence of drugs or alcohol only increases the chances of an accident and is just as illegal as if you were behind the wheel of a motor vehicle.
- Don’t ride while distracted – Riding a bike, just like driving a car, requires concentration. Avoid using headphones or earphones, texting, or answering phone calls while on your bicycle.
- Make sure your bicycle is in good riding shape – Before you go out for every ride, it is important to check to make sure your bicycle is in good working order.
This includes:
- Properly inflated tires
- Brakes are tight and working
- Chain is properly lubed and turning smoothly
- Nuts and bolts are tightened
- Watch for parked vehicles – A major cause of bicycle accidents involve dooring. Dooring occurs when a parked car’s door is opened into traffic, forcing an unsuspecting cyclist to swerve into traffic or slam into the door. Illinois has dooring laws in place to prevent these types of accidents, however, they still occur. If possible, ride at least 4 feet away from parked vehicles to avoid being hit.
- Do not speed in traffic – If you are training for a race and working on your speed, avoid riding in traffic. Instead take your bicycle to a park or trail and avoid putting yourself and others at-risk by speeding.
Cycling is a great activity. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come without risks, so it is important to understand road rules and laws to avoid being involved in a bicycle accident. If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident, consider contacting an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your case.
We at America’s Consumer Lawyer are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, especially when you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, including medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services.
We see you as a person, not just a client – and that makes us better at work we do. We listen. We learn your story. And, as we help you get the money you deserve, we go above and beyond in a way most law firms never could and never would. Because we’re not just lawyers. And you’re not just a client. We’re friends, neighbors, family. We’re all people and here at America’s Consumer Lawyer, we put People, First.
Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people, not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. Our unique formula has earned us over 900 outstanding client reviews on our website, an A+ BBB rating, and over 120 five-star reviews on Google. Call 888-572-0176, e-m
