Keeping Bikers Safe on the Road
More and more people are discovering the joys of biking. Some people bike for recreation, while others choose to commute to work on a bicycle rather than by car or public transport. However, many automobile drivers are still uneasy about bikers on the road.
At LaMarca & Landry, P.C., our lawyers care about the safety of both drivers and bikers. If you or a loved one has been involved in a biking accident caused by the negligence of a driver, contact us at 877-327-2600 to discuss your legal options.
Biking Safety Tips
Tips for Drivers:
- In many places, it is illegal to ride a bike on the sidewalk. Therefore, bikers are sometimes forced to ride along busy roads to reach their destination. If you see a biker on the road, slow down to his or her speed and do not attempt to pass until it is safe to do so.
- Without turn signals, bikers use hand signals to communicate. For a left turn, a biker will straighten his or her left arm and hold it out from the body. For a right turn, the arm is bent at the elbow so that the hand points toward the sky.
- Double-check for bikers when changing lanes and when opening car doors, and never drive, idle, or park in a bike lane.
Tips for Bikers:
- Always wear a helmet. Use bike lights after dark or in hazy weather conditions.
- In fast-moving traffic, move to the far side of the right lane so that motorists may pass without endangering your safety.
- Educate yourself about biking laws and hand signaling, and be sure to clearly demonstrate your intended stops and turns to drivers. Keep in mind that most laws that apply to drivers also apply to cyclists.
- Plan your routes in advance, using back roads and bike lanes. If you are ever forced to ride in unsafe conditions, consider dismounting in a safe location and instead walking on the sidewalk while pushing your bike.
Contact Us
Bikers deserve the right to safety on the road. If you or someone you love has been injured in a cycling accident involving a motor vehicle, your Iowa lawyers of LaMarca & Landry, P.C. can fight to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at 877-327-2600.
