Posted on Wednesday, September 7th, 2016 at 4:58 am
Bicycling has increased in popularity over the past couple of decades. More people are riding bicycles than ever before for a variety of reasons — economic, health, recreation, and social. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, biking to work increased by 60 percent from 2000 through 2008/2012. Unfortunately, thousands of bicyclists are injured each year in traffic-related bicycle accidents. In 2013, 48,000 bicyclists were injured and 743 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents.
There are things you can do as a cyclist to reduce your risk of being injured in a traffic-related bicycle accident. The NHTSA and AAA offer several bicycle safety tips. In addition to following these bicycle safety tips, you can also carry a bicycle emergency kit with you each time you ride your bicycle.
Bicycle Emergency Safety Kit
In addition to your safety equipment (i.e. helmet, riding gloves, knee & elbow pads, eye protection, etc.), there are some items that you need to take with you, especially on long bicycle rides. Items to include in your bicycle safety kit are:
Water
It is important that you stay hydrated when you are riding. It is easy to become dehydrated, especially when riding in warm weather. Take a water bottle with you on your bicycle ride, drink water throughout the day, and refill your water bottle often.
Bicycle Tools
Bicycles can break down just like cars and other vehicles. Many fixes can be made quickly on the road. Bicycle repair kits are available for purchase from several retailers. These kits are small enough to easily keep with you on bicycle rides. Before every ride, check your bicycle to make sure everything is in working order to prevent breakdowns.
Flashlight
This is very important if you intend to ride at dawn, at dusk, or at night. Even during the day, a flashlight can be useful if you are making minor repairs to provide direct light on the area you are working on as you repair your bicycle.
Energy or Protein Bar
You never know when you might have low blood sugar during a ride. Packing an energy or protein bar in your emergency bicycle kit is always a wise idea.
Medication
If you require specific medication (i.e. allergic reactions, epilepsy, heart medication, etc.), include a dose in your emergency bicycle kit with written instructions for anyone who might be trying to assist you in case of an emergency.
Emergency Contact Information
If you are injured and you cannot respond to emergency personnel, you need to have your emergency contact information written down. Include information that would be important in an emergency situation such as allergies and medical conditions.
Tire Pump and Spare Parts
If you are going on a long bicycle ride, consider taking a tire pump and small spare parts (i.e. chain, spare tube, patch kit, tire levers, spare cables, nuts, bolts, etc.). Having this equipment could save you time and frustration during your bicycle ride.
Sacramento Bicycle Accident Attorneys
If you have been hurt in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to receive compensation from the person who caused the accident. The first step in determining the value of your bicycle accident claim is to meet with one of our attorneys. We offer free consultations to accident victims.
You can reach the Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by chatting with a representative on our website.
