Bicycle Safety and Preventative Measures in San Antonio
San Antonio is a bike-friendly city with over 200 miles of biking and hiking trails. However, it is also one of the most dangerous. Distracted drivers and congested intersections often contribute to bicycle accidents. Sometimes, cyclists play a role in accidents by failing to follow bicycle safety and preventative measures in San Antonio. A bike crash attorney could help you understand your right to compensation after an accident.
Rules of the Road for Bikers
When bikes travel on public roadways, they are considered vehicles and must obey all traffic laws. That means using hand signals to indicate turns at a sufficient distance to allow drivers to respond. Signaling a left-hand turn seconds before you turn leaves little time for drivers to adjust their speed. Cyclists are required to ride to the right of any lane or bicycle pathway. Because drivers must leave three feet between their car and cyclists, riding to the right allows traffic to pass. If there is insufficient leeway, drivers must slow down until it is safe to pass, often adding to the congestion on busy roadways.
While San Antonio does not require a cyclist to wear a helmet, it is advisable and could prevent severe injuries in a crash. Helmets protect against life-altering injuries, even death. Cyclist must have lights on their bikes if they ride at night. Although not mandated, reflective clothing increases visibility at night, and bright-colored gear helps drivers identify riders during the day.
Bicyclist should ride defensively, keeping aware of their environment. For example, roadways can have potholes that can throw riders off their bikes and into traffic. Staying alert enables riders to go around obstacles that could jeopardize everyone’s safety.
Regular Bike Maintenance
Motorists and bicyclists are responsible for keeping their vehicles in good working order. Cyclists should check tire pressure, brakes, and chains before riding. Environmental conditions can change the air pressure. Damage to brakes or chains may not be visible, so a quick check to confirm brakes and chains are working reduces potential equipment failures.
Other pre-ride checks, such as the following, may require more time to address but are equally important preventative measures to take for a safe bike riding experience in San Antonio.
- Replace handlebar grips when worn
- Verify that release skewers are tightened
- Check the position and security of the seat
- Ensure that lights and reflective gear are clearly visible
Cleaning your bike should be a standard practice after riding. Lubricating your bike chain can prevent rusting that can prevent a bike from operating. If your bike feels different while riding, have it checked by a professional to ensure it is safe to ride. With regular maintenance, your bike is safe to ride and has less wear and tear.
What to do After a Bike Accident
No matter how careful San Antonio cyclists may be and the preventative measures they take, accidents happen. If involved in a bicycle accident, first check that no one needs immediate medical attention. Then, contact law enforcement to report the accident. While at the scene, gather contact information for all involved parties and take pictures of the accident scene. Even if you do not have visible injuries or they seem to be only a few scrapes, seek medical attention. Consider it a preventive measure against injuries appearing weeks later. If you are injured or your bike is damaged, contact a law firm such as Felix Gonzalez Law to discuss potential compensation.
Consult a San Antonio Attorney to Discuss Bike Safety and Prevantative Measures
Following best practices for bicycle safety and preventative measures in San Antonio can reduce your risk of an accident. However, they cannot eliminate them. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, contact a lawyer who can help you recover the damages you deserve.
