The Dangers Of Changing Temperatures For Bicycle Riders And How To Avoid Them

If you’re among the hearty who love to ride their bicycle no matter what the weather is, you are likely experiencing some difficulties in staying safe on your bike this month.  As the temperatures have been fluctuating between zero degrees and 50 degrees the conditions that may cause a New Haven bicycle accident are constantly changing.  This is an unusual circumstance to find yourself in, especially in the month of February when temperatures are typically pretty steadily below freezing.  This year, though, temperatures have dramatically fluctuated and that can lead to dangerous conditions on the road.

When temperature change dramatically from day to day, you might find yourself riding to work or out to the store to pick something up one day and there is nothing but puddles all around you.  You may then head out the next day and everything has frozen over presenting a risk to you as you ride through the city.  Whichever conditions you run into carry their own dangers and risks.  If it is just wetness and your tires are under-inflated due to changing conditions, you might find yourself hydroplaning out of control.  If ice has formed, where it wasn’t the day before, you might find yourself sliding across the road and into an injury.

How then can you ride your bike safely against the backdrop of the changing weather conditions?

First, you will want to make sure you are properly inflating your tires.  Before you set out on a ride, each time, you should be checking your tire pressure and insuring that there is enough air in your tires to allow you to drive safely without any issues.

Second, you should always check the temperatures before you head out on the road.  Borderline temperatures that fluctuate between freezing and not can be the most dangerous to ride in because you are not sure of what the conditions will be as you head out.  If conditions are consistently below freezing you know what precautions to take and you can safely navigate your ride.

Finally, you will want to make sure that all of your safety gear fits properly and is protecting you in the way it is intended.  Is your helmet tight and snug on your head?  Do your clothes fit well, keeping you warm, but also keeping out of the way of getting caught in your bicycle’s chain?  Do you need gloves to keep your fingertips warm?  Checking on your safety gear before you head out will keep you warm and safe while riding your bike.

New Haven bicycle accidents happen more frequently in the spring and summer months, but that is because there are more people out biking during those times of the year.  If you’re out riding your bike now, beware that there are significant dangers when riding and you could be caught off guard by changing weather conditions.

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may want to speak with an experienced attorney who has worked on cases like yours before.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you and review the details of your case to make sure your long-term interests are being met.