Riding a bicycle is one of the easiest ways to get daily exercise, but bicycling does come with some hidden dangers and risks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 51,000 bicyclists were injured in 2009 in motor vehicle-related crashes. To limit your chances of being involved in a bicycle accident, practice defensive cycling and always wear a helmet, regardless of your state law.
Sidewalk Cycling
Riding your bicycle on a sidewalk puts you at risk for colliding with a pedestrian and is illegal in many U.S. cities. According to late author and avid cyclist Ken Kifer, cycling on a sidewalk against traffic makes you four times more likely to get hit than riding in the road. Riding your bike on a sidewalk makes you less visible to cars driving out of parking structures and driveways. Sometimes riding your bike on a sidewalk might be unavoidable, but use your best judgment.
Technology
Riding your bicycle while talking on your cell phone, texting or wearing earphones puts your safety at risk. Bicyclists have to be on the defensive when sharing the road with a car, so being able to hear is very important. Also, having both hands free will give you greater control in the case of an emergency. In general, you'll be safer on your bicycle with less distractions.
Coaster Brakes
Coaster brakes, or the type of brake that stops the bike when you peddle backward, are common on cruiser or comfort bicycles. The brake simply stops the chain from moving, but in the event that your chain is not functioning properly or has come loose, a coaster brake will not stop your bike. Some bikes with coaster brakes now are equipped with an emergency brake on the handle bar. If your doesn't have an emergency brake, it's a good idea to get one installed.
Cars Turning Right on Red
One of the most common bicycle and car-related accidents involves cars turning right at red lights. While this is perfectly legal in most states, your visibility as a cyclist to the car that is turning right is nearly nonexistent. To make yourself more visible to cars, ride through the intersection in the traffic lane and not in the crosswalk.
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