Florida is a Dangerous Place for Cyclists of All Ages
Safety for bike riders of all ages is a serious issue in our state. Florida consistently rates ahead of the rest of the country in cyclist injuries and fatalities. In fact, rates of cyclist fatalities tend to be triple that of the rest of the U.S. If you ride a bike in The Sunshine State, you need to ride defensively, be alert, and have the proper safety equipment. The following are some tips to make your cycling as safe as possible:
- Make sure your bike is in proper working order and your seat and handlebars are properly adjusted for your body size. Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
- Follow the rules of the road. Many bike riders don’t realize this, but cyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicles, including stopping at stop signs and obeying traffic signals.
- Make yourself visible. You can do this by wearing brightly colored clothing designed for riding. This often has reflective material that makes a rider more visible when illuminated by a car’s headlights. It’s also good idea to have reflectors on the bike itself. Lights! Lights! Lights! Lights on the front and back of your bike are a must when riding at night. Not only will a headlight allow you to see potholes or debris in the road, it will allow motorists a better chance to see you. It’s also a good idea to have a flashing red light on the rear of your bike. Remember to bring extra batteries appropriate for the bike’s lights when riding at night.
- Wear a helmet. Wearing a properly fitted helmet can make the difference between bumps and bruises and severe head injuries. Florida requires all children aged 16 and under to wear an approved bicycle helmet while cycling.
If you have been injured in a Jacksonville bicycle accident, or if you can’t afford a helmet for your child, please call the law offices of Farah & Farah. Not only do we represent people injured in bicycle accidents, we also give away free bicycle helmets to children several times a month at different Jacksonville area locations. Call (877) 978-1649.
