Riding a bicycle at night is often a necessity for those who use their bikes to commute. However, traveling at night when visibility is poor and lighting isn’t adequate can be dangerous. Until the Smart Helmet is released – a helmet that alerts both cars and bikers when they are in one another’s vicinity – check out these tips for riding bike at night.
They’re more than just the common sense admonitions we’ve all heard – look both ways before crossing an intersection, wear a helmet – instead, they highlight some new gear options that can help Bellevue bikers stay safe and keep biking another day.
Use Reflective Gear
When lighting is poor, reflective gear can be one of the easiest ways to ensure that cars can see you while riding. Reflective tape or decals can be purchased and adhered to clothing, a helmet, or the bicycle itself. Companies like Fun Reflector offer trendy styles like skull-and-crossbones and flower stencils. These fun decals can be appealing to youth who don’t like to wear fluorescent clothing, which is the next suggestion.
In addition to reflective tape or other reflective details, wearing light-colored or florescent clothing will help you to be more visible to drivers. Wearing neon is the safest bet, according to Safe Riding Tips published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Purchase Bike Lights
In addition to reflective gear, see and be seen with bike lights. A light at the front of your bike can illuminate the road for you, and a blinking light on both the front and rear-end of your bike can help you to be seen by motorists. Respected companies like Knog and Blackburn sell blinking LED lights, which besides drawing attention to yourself, also look cool.
Use Alternate Routes
While riding on the street is often the quickest way home, using an alternate route is often the safest. If a bike path isn’t available, consider using a road with less traffic and call friends or family so they know when you expect to arrive.
Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
You should always pay attention to your surroundings, but doing so when lighting is scare is of extra importance. Stop riding when using a cell phone and keep your ears free of ear buds as listening to music can prevent you from being able to hear approaching dangers. Even if you have the right of way, make sure to double check for oncoming vehicles before moving through an intersection.
Contact a Bellevue Bicycle Accident Attorney if You’ve Been Injured
You might have the right to file a claim for damages in civil court if you were in a bicycle accident in Bellevue.
At Max Meyers Law PLLC, our attorneys can do the following for you.
- Fill you in on what you need to know about how to file a claim
- Handle the claim process
- Prove the fault of the driver involved
- Fight for monetary damages
If you’re ready to begin, call our offices now. We’re prepared to help you! Reach us today at 425-399-7000.