Safety Tips To Avoid A New Haven Bicycle Accident

We’ve already detailed that this month is New Haven Bike Month and to celebrate and bring awareness to this great event we are doing our part to make sure that you are riding your bike safely and avoiding the possibility of a New Haven bicycle accident.

By all accounts, the city of New Haven is a very bikeable city.  We have invested in the infrastructure that is necessary to keep cyclists riding safely through our streets such as protected bike lanes and rail trails that allow anyone that wants to to ride safely throughout our city without getting injured.  This is a wonderful thing for cyclists in our city but it does not mean that there isn’t a chance that an accident may happen and those involved may get injured.  Therefore it is critically important that cyclists follow some very easy safety tips to take complete advantage of our safe city, while also taking an added layer of personal safety into account.

Here are some tips that you should keep in mind when you hope on your bike for a ride around the streets of New Haven.

1.) Wear reflective gear.  Whether it is stickers on your helmet, bike shorts with built in reflective fabrics, or a orange vest that allows on-coming traffic to see you coming easily, this is a must for all riders.  Reflective gear is not just for riding at night either, it should be worn at all times so the people you share the streets with can see you quickly and easily and drive appropriately.

2.) Leave your cell phone in your pocket or backpack.  There is nothing that can be more dangerous to a cyclist then being distracted by what is popping up on her/his phone.  While some may use their phone for directions, it is safer to look at your route while you are stopped and then pack your phone away so you are not looking at it while you’re riding your bike.

3.) Stop at all street crossings.  Even though you may be riding on a protected bike lane or on a rail trail, you may still find yourself crossing a busy road.  While you can easily look both ways and keep riding it is best to get off your bike, look both ways and then walk your bike accross the street so you can remain safe while crossing at an intersection.

Riding your bike through New Haven is one of the most enjoyable and rewarding things you can do.  It is fun and an effective mode of transportation, but if you are not careful and taking necessary precautions you might end up getting yourself into a New Haven bicycle accident and becoming injured.  If you do follow some simple safety steps you will be able to ride your bike and enjoy our beautiful city without incident.

If you’re following safety steps and doing your part to stay safe while on your bicycle you may not always be able to avoid an accident.  If you do get injured in a bike accident you may need to speak with an experienced attorney who can review your case and work with you to protect your long-term interests.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you today.