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Over 1,500 cyclists took to the streets last week to participate in the Police Unity Tour, an annual four-day bike ride that cumulates at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. The entire trip spans more than 300 miles.
Hundreds of riders passed by the site where retired Roxbury Lt. Joseph Franklin was killed in a bike accident in May of 2016. Former Roxbury Chief Mark Noll and 16 active officers from the Roxbury police force rode in the tour in honor of Franklin. Participants in the Unity Tour passed by the crash site around the same time the accident occurred last year, and paid their respects while Franklin’s family looked on.
Many cities across the United States are becoming more bike-friendly. Riding a bike can be a good way to cut down on car expenses or to simply enjoy nature and the warm summer weather. New Jersey has been considered one of the more bicycle friendly states in years past by the League of American Cyclists. However, bikers do face serious risks to their safety, and accidents are more common than many think. In a 2012 report, the Tri-State Transportation Campaign found there were almost 20,000 bicycle accidents across 13 northern New Jersey counties in the previous 10 years.
How Can I Stay Safe While Riding My Bike This Summer?
Below is a list of things to keep in mind while biking this summer to stay safe and make your time riding an enjoyable one.
- Ride With Traffic: Riding in an area with a lot of cars can present a number of risks to a biker. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration indicates that the majority of accidents happen in urban areas, and the majority of bike accident injuries occur during rush hour traffic time. When riding, it is important to follow the rules of the road like any other motorist and always ride with traffic. Most drivers do not expect someone to come in the wrong direction.
- Improve Visibility At Night: Since bikes are much smaller and quieter than a car or even a motorcycle, it is important to wear reflective and bright colored clothing at night, and to properly illuminate your bike. Many manufactures make headlights and taillights that can be attached to a bike so others can note your presence.
- Use Hand Signals: It can be very difficult for a motorist or pedestrian to determine where or when you are going to turn to make some other maneuver. Hand signals are a simple and effective way to communicate with others and give the time to accommodate you while riding in order to keep everyone safe.
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the bicycle accident lawyers at Nagel Rice, LLP. We will advocate for you to get you the best possible compensation.