How Dangerous Is It To Ride A Bicycle In SW Florida?
Are you looking for a new hobby or simply want to break away from engines and traffic? You might be considering biking around SW Florida. Whether it is for leisure or a change of lifestyle, the most important thing is knowing how to keep yourself safe and sound.
Bicycles are one of the most vulnerable when it comes to road and street accidents -especially along roadways like Tamiamia Trail, University Parkway or US 301. We frequently report on bicyclists being struck while riding along the major roads in the Sarasota Manatee County Area. While this is no means to discourage your newfound activity, being aware and highly alert can help you enjoy riding your bike to the fullest. Just how dangerous could it be to bike around the area?
• Cars And Other Larger Vehicles Can Drive Recklessly - Staying on the sidewalk may be the safest option, but there will be parts where the sidewalks are too narrow. You will have no choice but to use the designated bicycle lanes or simply join the other vehicles on the street albeit staying in your lane. However, many cars drive recklessly on the highway.
Abrupt turns, failure to yield the right of way, and sudden stops can get you involved in a serious road accident. Better to watch out for any vehicles that seem to be driving with abandon on the road.
• Harsh Weather Affects The Bike And The Rider - You are exposed to the elements just as much as your bike without the usual roof, door, and windows to protect you. This can apply to different kinds of weather. Heavy rains can impede your visibility and the slippery roads can cause you to skid or lose your balance.
At the same time, intense heat can have repercussions on your health like dehydration and overheating. When affected by the weather, you can lose control of your bicycle and this can lead to accidents.
• Other Pedestrians On The Sidewalk - You would think that vehicles are the only ones who fail to look out for bicycles. While it is a given that bike riders should also yield the right of way to pedestrians, there are still cases wherein people would suddenly speed past you, appear in front of you, or even collide with you. This could result in a nasty fall or other accidents involving other pedestrians and street property. Be extra mindful of the people you are sharing the sidewalk with.
• Bicycles Are Hard To See On The Road - Many cars are hardly aware that they are sharing the road with bike riders. This is why swerving and sudden stops are the common reasons behind accidents between bicycles and cars.
The low visibility rate is indeed dangerous for bicycle riders but you can always try to make yourself noticeable by wearing bright colors, installing lights, and using a bell or a horn to inform others of your presence.
Riding your bicycle can lead to accidents that can cause you injuries that range from small minor wounds to serious head injuries and bone fractures. If you ever find yourself in such tight situations, immediately seek medical help and contact a personal injury lawyer with serious bicycle accident experience.
