Riding your bike to get around is a great way to stay in shape, save money and help the environment, but it is not without its risks. Every year, thousands of cyclists suffer accidents on the road. Knowing the common dangers that cyclists face can help you avoid becoming part of the statistic yourself. To help you stay safe on the road, here are five dangers to be aware of while biking:
Dooring accidents
Even if a car is not moving, it can still pose a danger to you. An unaware passenger in a car can open their door as you are biking past it, causing a dooring accident. These injuries can leave you with broken bones, a traumatic brain injury, and other catastrophic injuries.
Drivers ignoring the bike lane
Even when there is a dedicated bike lane for you to use, many drivers still choose to use that space for their care. Whether they are simply trying to get to their turn sooner or they want more space for themselves, these drivers can swerve into you and cause to suffer serious injuries.
Potholes
A hole in the road can be a danger for multiple reasons. First, a bike can easily flip over after hitting a pothole. Next, a driver can swerve to avoid these potholes and hit you in the process.
Turning vehicles
A car turning at an intersection can be considered dangerous for nearby drivers. A driver making a turn often is not looking at those around them, leaving them blind to anyone on their bike.
Reckless drivers
When a driver distracts themselves by eating or drinking, adjusting their GPS, or fixing their appearance, their choices can keep them from noticing you on your bike. Additionally, speeding and ignoring the rules of the road can give a driver less time to react when they do spot you, making them more likely to cause an accident.
Stay safe on the road
Putting on your helmet and reflective gear to get on the road with your bike, remember to also keep an eye out for the dangers that cyclists face. Taking extra precaution while biking can be the difference in whether you can get to your destination safely or not.