How to Stay Safe on the Road as a Bicyclist
Our little mountain town of Flagstaff has been hailed as a “biker’s paradise” and “biker’s mecca” for both mountain bikers and commuters. With approximately 9 percent of all trips being made by bicycle, almost 9 times the national average. However, even in a community where biking (whether it be on a trail or on the way to work) is such a large part of the culture and everyday lives of its residents, it’s still important to remember that accidents can and do happen. In this article, learn how to stay safe as a bicyclist.
There are many dangers cyclists have to contend with, like: motor vehicles, pedestrians, weather, and other bicyclists.
Think an accident couldn’t happen to you? There were 1,490 pedalcycle, or non-motorized bicycle, accidents in the state of Arizona in 2017. That’s still about half the number of motorcycle accidents and tens of thousands less than the number of multi-car accidents that occurred in 2017, a number reaching over 100,000 in Arizona alone. However, it’s still enough that we should be concerned about bikers, biker safety, and what we can each do to make each other safer.
What can you do to stay safe on a bicycle?
For starters, as a bicyclist, we recommend that you follow the rules of the road. In Arizona, bicyclists are supposed to act as motor vehicles do:
- Use the bike lane when possible or regular motor vehicle lanes when not possible
- Riding with traffic
- Signaling with your hand when you are stopping or making a turn
- Equip your bike with a light – it’s the law!
- Be attentive and practice caution
Pedestrians still have right of way, just as they do when driving a car. You should avoid sidewalks – or walk your bike on sidewalks when necessary anyway. And always wear a helmet, even if it gives you helmet hair.
What to do if you are injured on a bicycle?
However, no matter how careful you are, accidents can happen – and it may not always be your fault. Cyclists are expected to follow the same rules as motor vehicles, but they are also entitled to the same rights too. If you or someone you know has been injured or experienced personal damage at the hand of a motorist, please consider contacting us, Antol and Sherman. We will make sure you get the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Our team of dedicated trial attorneys at Antol & Sherman, PC, has more than 60 years of combined legal experience and a strong track record of providing successful legal counsel. We have been practicing criminal, family and divorce, drug and DUI, and accident law in Flagstaff, Arizona and surrounding northern Arizona cities for more for over 30 years.. Which include Camp Verde, Sedona, Williams, Holbrook, Winslow, Cottonwood, Mayer, Seligman, Kingman, Page, St. Johns. Antol & Sherman, PC, and their staff of lawyers would love to sit down and discuss your legal needs. Please call us at 928-241-6339, stop in today at Antol & Sherman, PC, 150 N Verde St Suite 102, Flagstaff, AZ 86001, or fill out our contact form to start the conversation!
Other resources:
- City of Flagstaff: Bike Safety Tips
- City of Flagstaff: Bicycle Program
- Northern Arizona University: Bicycle traffic laws
- Free Bicycle Safety Training and Citation Diversion Program