With Harris County and many parts of the nation under a “shelter-in-place” order due to the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), many Texans are trying to find ways to stay in shape amid gym and park closures. For most, the only options are walking or biking through their local neighborhood, leading to an increase of
Despite fewer vehicles on the road, bike riding is not without its dangers. For too many drivers, bicycles are just another obstacle in their path, and many automobile operators do not give cyclists the respect and consideration they deserve. This risk only increases as more and more people begin to take to the streets to get their daily exercise in — something previously foreign for many neighborhoods and areas.
When bicycle accidents occur, it is usually the bike rider who winds up on the losing end. When the contest is between a two thousand pound car and a ten-pound bike, the implications are all too obvious, and the physics is undeniable.
Is It Safe To Ride Your Bike Outside
Yes, it’s completely safe to ride your bike outside, provided you do so alone or with members of your household, and even then you should maintain at least 6 feet between each other as you exercise. Congregating or riding with new people can lead to potential exposure, and also crowd roadways or sidewalks where others are trying to exercise as well. Cities like New York are dealing with an influx of bike-related injuries (43% more to be exact), as New Yorkers transition away from public transit. Now, proper bike safety is a must more than ever, especially as more inexperienced bikers hit the road.
Protecting Yourself as You Ride
Bicycle injuries are all too common, especially during the warm spring and summer months, as we’re coming into. But no matter what time of year you ride, there are steps you can take to increase your safety and reduce the risk of a crash.
The simplest and most obvious safety measure you can take is wearing a bicycle helmet every time. The money you invest in a quality bike helmet will be cash well spent, so look for a helmet that fits you well and keep it with your bicycle.
If your kids ride around town, always insist that they wear their helmets as well. Check the fit on those helmets frequently; growing kids may need more frequent upgrades.
Teaching your kids, and yourself, the rules of the road is another way to improve your safety and reduce the risk of accidents. Bicycle riders must follow the same basic traffic safety rules as car and truck drivers, and knowing these regulations should be a basic part of your routine.
Know Where You Ride
Houston’s city limits are expansive, and the city is home to tens of thousands of acres of parkland — places most people flock for exercise under normal circumstances. As many begin to shift their normal routines away from public areas, some parks remain open within Harris county. You can find a list of all park updates and closures here.
When choosing an area to ride your bike, keep in mind that some roads are more suitable for bicycle riding than others, so check out the spots where you want to ride. Is there a suitable shoulder, with no dangerous drop-offs and a minimum of loose gravel? Is the road widely traveled? Are there blind spots where drivers may not see you? The more you know about the surrounding roads, the safer your ride will be.
Hopefully, there will be plenty of suitable roadways where you live, with lots of options for riding comfortably and safely. If not, bike trails may be a safer alternative to taking your bike on the road. The availability of bike trails varies throughout the country, but where they are available they can be a smart and safe way to ride.
Were You Hit Or Injured While Riding Your Bike?
Whether you ride your bike for the exercise, for the environment or just for fun, safety should be your number one concern. Every time you hit the road, you take a risk, but the level of risk you face is at least partially in your control. The tips listed above can help keep you safer on the road, on the trails or anywhere else you choose to ride. If you were injured while riding your bike, let the attorneys at The Weycer Law Firm help navigate your case. Discuss your case for FREE today by contacting us online or by calling (713) 668-4545.