Last years studies showed that, while overall road deaths have dropped in Minnesota, death by bicycle riders has grown at an alarming rate. The staff at the Injuryboard has looked at the important issue of bike safety in the past.
KIMT in Iowa had a couple of interesting quotes from a local rider:
“In the spring the usual issue is drivers and riders need to become accustom to one another there's often long periods throughout the winter where drivers are not used to seeing cyclists,” said Rayburn.
Rayburn says most accidents happen during this "break in" period because drivers and riders aren't used to seeing one another.
“It's just human nature not to see something unless it's bigger and sometimes more dangerous,” said Rayburn.
It's important to keep in mind the following recommendations.
General Bicycle Safety Tips
-Always wear a helmet. Bicycle helmets can reduce head injuries by 85 percent.
-Use hand signals to indicate which direction you want to turn.
-Be aware and alert at all busy intersections. Make yourself known to motorists.
-Have reflectors or lights when riding at night.
-Pass on the left, and be ready to hit the brakes. Keep a good passing distance.
-Be aware and leave room for motorists trying to make right-hand turns.
-The paths in Boulder have 15 mph speed limits; follow the speed guidelines.
-Don't wear headphones when riding, and yield to traffic when entering roadways.
The hope is that as we go into another season of riding that people will be reminded of the need for safety.
A founding partner with Bradshaw & Bryant, Mike Bryant has always fought to find justice for his clients—knowing that legal troubles, both personal injury and criminal, can be devastating for a family. Voted a Top 40 Personal Injury "Super Lawyer" multiple years, Mr. Bryant has also been voted one of the Top 100 Minnesota "Super Lawyers" four times.
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