Top Five Biking Safety Tips to Remember

While biking is a popular way to get around Boston, unfortunately, bicycle accidents happen every day. It’s important to understand how to be safe so you can avoid being seriously injured in one. Today we want to talk about some key biking safety tips to remember, from our Boston personal injury law firm to you.

The NHTSA notes that 1,105 bicyclists were killed in accidents in 2022. Following, in no particular order, are our top five bicycle safety tips.

1. Wear a helmet

A properly fitting helmet is the best way to protect your head and brain in the event of a crash. The NHTSA even says, “Every bike ride begins with putting on a helmet.” You can find out if you’re wearing a proper helmet by looking for the “complies with CPSC safety standards” label on the inside. In Massachusetts, the law also requires that people under 17 years of age wear a bike helmet. However, it’s a good idea for everyone, regardless of their age.

It’s also important to note that a poorly fitting helmet will not protect your head in a crash. If your bike helmet fits correctly, it will be comfortable, sit level on your head, provide adequate coverage without compromising your vision, and be snug enough that it won’t fall off when fastened. You can watch a video on how to properly fit your helmet here.

2. Be visible

While biking, you should be visible to other people and vehicles, especially in low-light conditions or heavy traffic. Because cyclists can be more difficult to spot than cars, try to make yourself as noticeable as possible. Wear bright or reflective clothing during the day and reflective gear at night. This can help other drivers more easily see you. You should also install front and rear lights on your bike and consider adding reflective tape to the bike’s frame or wheels for extra visibility.

In addition to wearing reflective clothing and using lights, ride your bike in a way that allows other drivers to see you. This means avoiding riding in blind spots, especially around large vehicles like commercial trucks or buses. You can also use hand signals to communicate your turns and stops to help stay visible to drivers. By doing this, you can reduce the risk of Boston bicycle accidents and stay safe on the road.

3. Obey traffic laws

Because bicycles are considered to be vehicles, obeying traffic laws is essential to ensuring your safety on Boston’s roads. Bicyclists must follow the same traffic rules as cars and trucks – like stopping at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians, and signaling turns. This makes your movements more predictable to other drivers and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

When riding your bike in Boston, ride in the same direction as traffic and stay in designated bike lanes where available. Demonstrate your intentions using hand signals when turning or stopping to alert other drivers and cyclists. This allows others to adjust their driving and avoid potential collisions. You should also understand local Boston biking laws. For example, you may ride your bike on the sidewalk, but the City of Boston recommends you use the street. You are also not allowed to ride e-bikes on the sidewalk anywhere in Massachusetts.

4. Stay alert

As a cyclist, you must be constantly aware of your surroundings, including other vehicles, pedestrians, and road conditions. Avoid distractions, like using your phone or listening to music with headphones, which can impair your ability to hear approaching cars or warning sounds like honking horns or sirens. By keeping your focus, you can also avoid potential dangers like potholes and debris or sudden changes in traffic that create risks of crashes and falls.

Staying alert and vigilant requires that you pay attention to the behaviors of other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists as well. You should watch out for drivers who might make sudden turns without signaling or open their doors into the bike lane. Make eye contact with drivers at intersections to ensure they see you before they proceed. Constantly and actively scanning your environment and staying focused helps you spot potential risks early and make safer decisions while riding.

5. Check your equipment

Checking your bicycle before each ride can help ensure your safety on the road and avoid tragic accidents. A quick inspection of your bike’s tires, brakes, and chain can save you from mechanical failures while riding. Start by checking the tire pressure and making sure your tires are free from punctures or excessive wear and tear. Properly inflated tires can provide better traction and handling, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces. Don’t forget to inspect your brakes to ensure they’re not worn out, as faulty brakes can increase the risk of a collision.

Further, a dirty or rusty chain can cause poor shifting or even snap mid-ride. Ensure you keep your chain clean and well-lubricated. Test your gears to make sure they’re shifting smoothly and that your handlebars and seat are secure and properly adjusted. Check that your lights are working and that your reflectors are intact. Regular maintenance and pre-ride checks can help prevent mechanical issues, reducing the chances of an equipment failure that can cause a serious bike accident.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck

The Boston personal injury attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck are well-versed in Boston bicycle accident claims. Just some of our verdicts and settlements include the following:

• $3,000,000 for a child cyclist hit by a pickup truck, suffering traumatic brain injury, multiple fractures, and internal injuries.
• $1,800,000 for a bicyclist hit in a crosswalk, sustaining a mild traumatic brain injury and post-concussion syndrome.
• $975,000 for a bicycle accident causing leg fractures.
• $600,000 for a cyclist hit by a driver who ignored a stop sign, causing serious hip and pelvis injuries.

We are also committed to supporting bicycle safety in Massachusetts through our Project KidSafe campaign. Through this campaign, we have proudly donated over 33,000 bicycle helmets to children since 2013. We have also supported Boston Bikes’ Roll It Forward program, which is a City of Boston initiative that repairs used bicycles for city residents.

Were you or a loved one injured in a bicycle accident in Boston? At Breakstone, White & Gluck, our experienced personal injury attorneys are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. We can handle the legal process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call or contact us today for a free consultation. We serve all of Massachusetts from our Boston offices.