Washington Injury Law Blog

As the first signs of Spring start to appear in Washington, like whole days of actual sunshine, people dust off the bicycle and hit the road. Now’s the time to tune up the bike and get it ready for riding. Here are some tips to keep in mind as you start the bicycling season.

1. Always wear a helmet! It can save your life, period.

2. Do routine maintenance so your bike is safe to ride. Inflate tires to proper air pressure, lubricate the chain, make sure brakes are working correctly. I like to change the handlebar tape each year so I have a fresh soft spot for my hands at the beginning of each year, not generally needed but it make me happy.

3. When approaching parked cars make sure to give yourself a good three feet or more clearance from the car, just in case a car door opens suddenly.

4. Make eye contact with other drivers at intersections. Stop at red lights and stop signs. Use hand signals when making turns. You must follow the rules of the road just like cars. This is pet peeve #1 for car drivers, so do your part to set a good example and improve your bicyclist relationship with other vehicle drivers.

5. When riding at night you must have a front light and taillight. Lights that blink are great because they make you stand out more, thus decreasing your chance of getting hit by a car.

6. Wear brightly colored clothing. This also increases your chance of being seen by cars.

7. Ride predictably when in traffic. Making sudden and unforeseeable lane movements or changes can result in a car hitting you.

8. Urban trail riding is different from the road. Pedestrians have the right of way and bicycles must yield to pedestrians. In Seattle a good urban trial is the Burke-Gilman trial. Use a bell or your voice when passing pedestrian on the trial. A friendly “on your left” can go a long way towards avoiding bike v. pedestrian collisions.

9. Ride on right side of road as much as practical. I know if you’re riding a road bike the road shoulder can have all kinds of broken glass, nails, and other flat tire causing dangers. But it’s a safer place for you to be, assuming there’s a shoulder, and it’s less liking to frustrate cars that approach from behind you.

10. Remember: Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles. Be courteous and share the road.

Have fun and Safe riding!

Max Meyers, Esq.

Max Meyers specializes in bicycle injury claims and litigation. If you have been hit by a car while riding your bike, and it was the car’s fault you have a bicycle injury claim. Contact Max via email or call 425-822-5700 for your FREE injury claim consultation.