As an experienced accident attorney, who has helped many victims of cycling accidents and their families in Chapel Hill, Durham and the surrounding areas, I recognize that adult bike safety saves lives. In a crash, a bike is no match for a 3,000 pound car.
Cycling safety is imperative in Chapel Hill, home of The University of North Carolina. I still remember how dangerous it was riding a bike on campus from when I earn my degrees there.
Preventative, "defensive driving" measures to avoid a bike accident all together can be more effective than relying on secondary measures-such as wearing a helmet. Here are some tips to avoid a potentially deadly crash:
* Drive your Bike. Be predictable and obey state and local traffic laws. Cyclists are responsible for following all of the same traffic laws as motor vehicles.
* Don't Pass on the Right. Motorists regularly do not look to their right for passing vehicles, including bikes. Observe the normal flow of traffic.
* Understand and Anticipate Common Crash Scenarios.
* Wear a properly fitted helmet, even if not required by law. Helmets can save your brain, even in the event of a minor crash.
* Be Visible. Wear light or brightly colored clothing. If you must ride at night, make sure to properly equip your bike with appropriate lights required by law.
* Stay Alert. Be aware of traffic around you, potential obstacles, parked vehicles in parking lots, driveways, intersections, high congestion areas, and delivery trucks and semis. Headphones and headsets are prohibited by law and inhibit your senses.
* Maintain proper working order of your bike-tires, handlebars, brakes, seat, lights. If it's been a while, test them out before riding with traffic.
* Brush up on your hand signals, so motorists can anticipate your actions at least 100 feet before you turn or "make a move."