Getting around town on your bike is one of the best ways to save gas and get some exercise in. However, safety is a growing concern for bicyclist in the Ann Arbor area. As the weather starts to warm and people venture outdoors, the threat of accidents starts to rise. What hazards do bicyclists face? Check out the two most common causes of bicycle accidents, and keep yourself from winding up a statistic.
Crash with a motor vehicle
Most bicycle accidents involve a crash with a motor vehicle. Over half of these crashes end in a cyclist fatality. Many times, onlookers erroneously believe the biker was the cause. When police investigate these incidents, however, they typically find that the driver of the motor vehicle is at fault.
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of crashes. Cell phones, GPS maps and music all prove too much temptation for some drivers to resist peeking at. Taking their eyes off the road for even a second can result in a crash with another vehicle or a cyclist. When riding your bike, stay in your lane of travel, and always keep an eye and ear out for vehicles.
Falling down
Holes in streets abound from coast to coast, and a cyclist may end up the victim of a poorly maintained trail or roadway. Falling off the bike is the second most common cause of bicycle accidents. Sometimes, these falls occur as a result of a near miss with a pedestrian or even a motor vehicle. As a cyclist, you should always know who and what is around you. If the condition of the trail or road is poor, take extra precautions.
As a cyclist, you may need to pay close attention to what goes on around you. Cars, trucks, pedestrians and poor road conditions make riding more dangerous, especially as spring and summer weather approach. Protect yourself by remaining vigilant while out for a ride.