Cycling is a fun and healthy activity that can help you get around while also being environmentally friendly, and there’s no better place to do it than in Albuquerque. However, just like driving a car, there are certain dangers that are associated with biking and it is crucial to be cautious. Whether you are a professional cyclist who uses the bike to get to work or a recreational rider who takes the bike out on the weekends, safety is paramount.
At Genus Law Group, we know how severe car accident injuries can be for cyclists. Being car accident attorneys and personal injury attorneys, we know how much harm car accidents with bicycles can cause. Therefore, to ensure that you are safe when cycling, here are the three tips that every cyclist should consider.
1. Wear a Helmet: Your Most Important Asset: How to Protect It
The most basic and at the same time the most efficient way to protect oneself while cycling is to wear a helmet. It may seem very fundamental, but helmets do prevent fatalities. In the event of an accident, especially one that involves a car, your helmet will be the first thing that will protect you from severe head injuries.
The numbers do not lie—wearing a helmet can decrease the chances of head injury by as much as 85%. At our law firm practicing in New Mexico, we have handled many cases where a helmet would have been the difference. When a car collides with a bike, the rider has no barrier between him and the car, and a helmet may be the only barrier between life and death.
Also, it is the law in New Mexico that any cyclist below the age of 18 must wear a helmet and while you are an adult, it is still advisable to do so. Your brain is the most valuable asset that you have and you should not compromise it for the sake of saving time. At Genus Law Group, we have represented clients who have been involved in cycling accidents that resulted in traumatic brain injuries and we know how much it hurts.
2. Be Visible: How to Ensure that the Drivers Notice You
Another major cause of cycling accidents is that drivers do not notice the cyclists. Cyclists are not easy to see, especially during the early morning when the visibility is still poor or when they are hiding behind other cars. That is why it is important to do everything possible to be seen when driving on the road.
Wear bright and reflective clothing especially if you are riding early in the morning, in the evening or at night. Make sure that your bike has both front and rear lights and always ensure that you switch them on as soon as it begins to get dark. Although drivers are expected to respect cyclists and other riders on the road, it is up to you to make sure that you are visible.
It’s not just about safety, it also helps in preventing accidents and if ever there is an incident, you won’t be held liable for it. When cyclists try to be more visible, they are not held as much responsible for an accident. If you are a victim of a bike accident and the other party says that he did not see you, then your efforts to be visible on the road will help you get the fast injury settlement that you need.
At Genus Law Group, our top of the line New Mexico attorneys understand how to leverage all the facts in the case for cyclists. We have assisted numerous clients in getting the best settlement after being involved in cycling accidents since we know that visibility and safety are critical factors that need to be considered when developing a case.
3. Follow the Rules of the Road: Riding a Bike Safely: A Guide for Cyclists
However, you are still expected to obey all the traffic laws as if you were in a car even when you are on a bike. This includes not crossing red lights and stop signs, not crossing pedestrian lines, and using signals when turning. This way, you will not be involved in an accident and also you will be safe legally in case of an accident.
One can easily get the impression that a bike is not the same as a car, you can dodge between cars or squeeze through gaps. However, this mentality can be quite risky at times. Cyclists are not always easy to see and a car may suddenly change lanes or not stop at a red light and hit a cyclist. In the event of an accident, if you were found to be violating traffic laws, it would be difficult for you to get compensation for your injuries.
As car accident lawyers and personal injury attorneys, we understand that many of these bicycle and car accidents are a matter of right of way. At Genus Law Group, we support cycling and we would like to remind everyone to ride safely and obey the traffic rules. This not only protects you but also assists your injury lawyer in the event of an accident to have a better case.
Other Important Measures that Cyclists in New Mexico Should Consider
However, helmets, visibility, and obeying traffic rules are some of the most important tips that every cyclist should consider, but there are other safety precautions that cyclists should consider. Some of the most important are; making sure that your bike is in good condition. Before every ride, it is recommended to check the brakes, tires, and lights to ensure that they are in good condition.
Also, it is recommended that one should always be cautious when riding. It is not only the drivers who are at risk of being distracted; cyclists are also at risk of distracted cycling. Do not use headphones, do not text while driving, and always look around. This can assist you in responding to a car that swerves or if there is an obstacle on the road.
Finally, one should avoid riding near parked cars. Another frequent incident that occurs to cyclists is being doored, which means a car door is opened directly into the cyclist’s trajectory. It is always advisable to leave enough space between you and parked cars to ensure that you do not find yourself in this risky situation.
First, Stay Safe and Second, Understand Your Rights
Cycling is a great way to get around Albuquerque but it comes with certain dangers. Wearing a helmet, being visible, and obeying traffic laws can greatly decrease the likelihood of a severe accident. But if the worst comes to the worst and you are injured while cycling, it is important to know your rights.
At Genus Law Group, we’ve helped countless cyclists in New Mexico secure the compensation they deserve after being injured in accidents. Whether you need help dealing with insurance companies or pursuing a personal injury claim, our best lawyers in New Mexico are ready to fight for you. Call us at 505-317-4455 for a free consultation today.
