Bicycle accidents occur more often at night because of reduced visibility and darkness. To avoid any mishaps, it is essential that you exercise some caution. According to a CDC report, every year, around 130,000 injuries and about 1000 deaths in the United States happen due to bicycle accidents. The annual cost of these bicycle-related injuries exceeds $23 billion. It affects not only life but productivity too. That is why it has become necessary for bicyclists to protect themselves, especially at night. 

Suppose you are involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of others. In that case, bicycle accident lawyers can help you to file a legal claim and get compensation for your injuries and suffering. And to ensure your safety, below are some essential points that one must follow diligently. 

10 Things Every Bicyclist Must Follow

When on the road, always follow these tips: 

  • Illuminate the Bicycle: It becomes difficult to see a bicyclist at night, so to make yourself visible, you must have some lights on your bicycle. For example, you can add light at the front and back of your bicycle. This way, drivers can see you more clearly. You can also add reflective pedals such as gears, gloves, etc.
  • Follow the Rules: In Washington, DC, the bicyclist must ride with the traffic flow in travel lanes. There is an exception if you are riding within the contra-flow bicycle lane. Also, it is allowed to ride a bicycle on sidewalks; however, it is not permitted in the central business district. 
  • Use Designated Bike Lanes: There are designated lanes for cyclists that one can use to ride safely. If there is no cycle lane, they depend on the right side of the right lane, except when turning left.
  • Check Brakes: Before taking out your bike, always check the brakes. Ensure the brake pads are in contact with the wheels' disc rotor. To check, spin the wheels and then hit the brakes. 
  • Consider the Weather: Riding a bike at night is dangerous when the weather is terrible. However, if one has to ride in bad weather, one should pay extra attention to their surroundings. 
  • Wear a Helmet: In the USA, there are strict bicycle helmet rules; however, in Washington, there are no such rules for a bicyclist to wear a helmet, but it is of utmost importance for your safety. According to reports, wearing a helmet reduces the chances of head injury by fifty percent. 
  • Avoid Wearing Headphones: People mostly wear headphones to make their rides enjoyable. But riding with headphones on is risky. You must be aware of other bicycles, cars, horns, etc. 
  • Add Rear View Mirror: Adding mirrors on the handlebars or your helmet helps you see what is coming from behind. This will ensure your safety as you do not have to keep looking over your shoulder.  
  • Ride with the Flow: The chances of an accident increase if you go against the traffic flow. It might be disconcerting for some to ride with their backs to the traffic, but it is safe if you are riding with the rest of the vehicles. 
  • Be Vigilant: Nighttime riding is fun and exciting but also calls for vigilance and caution. When you are vigilant, you can notice potholes, unexpected door openings, etc. 

Conclusion

Summing up, follow all the tips mentioned above to ensure your safety. However, even if you follow the rules, you can't say the same thing to others. One cannot be sure of other persons; negligent driving. So, if you are injured in a bicycle accident, the best action is to contact a lawyer to go through the next legal steps.