7 Steps for Avoiding Bike Accidents While Commuting in Sacramento | Culture and Society

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Sacramento is one of the best cities in North America for commuting to and from work on a bicycle. Earlier this year, the city was recognized for being a Bronze rated bicycle friendly city by the League of American Bicyclists, which puts it in the top 50 nationwide. Nonetheless, there are an alarming number of bike accidents in Sacramento each year that could be avoided with better bike training and safety education.

In 2006, there were 225 bike accidents including two fatal collisions in Sacramento -- with over 50% of the accidents being due to cyclist negligence. While there are often other factors that lead to a bike accident such as traffic, poor weather, or a problem with the bike, there are also many things you can do to reduce your risk.

Here are 7 steps for avoiding a bike accident while commuting in Sacramento:

Tune Up -- Make sure you check your bike if you haven't performed maintenance in a while. The most important things to check are your tires, brakes, handlebars and gears.

Safety First -- Not only should you always wear a helmet, but you should also use reflective clothing, gloves, and lights to ensure your visibility. Nearly 15% of bike accidents in California are partly caused by the cyclist operating a bicycle without proper equipment.

Choose a Route -- Do your best to avoid busy roadways and intersections. It is better to take a less direct route than to risk a bike accident on a busy road.

Test Your Route -- It is a good idea to drive your chosen route in a car before you try cycling it. You'll notice some areas have a higher risk for bike accidents than others and be able to adapt your route accordingly.

Get a Bike Buddy -- Cycling to work is a great thing to do, but many people try it without ever establishing the habit. If you're having a tough time motivating yourself to cycle on a regular basis, find a friend to bike with you. Not only is it safer to have a friend bike with you, but it is also more fun!

Know the Rules -- If you aren't familiar with California's rules for cyclists, you need to study these before you go riding. Disobeying the rules of the road accounts for over 50% of all bike accidents in California.

Know Your Limit -- Don't push yourself beyond what your body can handle. You should always have water with you in case you get dehydrated and be prepared to pull over if you are unable to control your bike in a safe manner. If you work further away than you are prepared to bike, you can combine cycling with public transit.

Sacramento is a great city to ride in, but there is always the risk of being in a bike accident. While proper preparation can decrease your chance of being in a collision, there are often hazards you cannot control. If you are ever involved in a bike accident in Sacramento and believe you are not at fault, you should contact a personal injury lawyer for a free consultation.

An experienced attorney specializing in bike accidents can help you assess, file, and win your personal injury claim so you receive the maximum compensation the law and circumstances allow.

About the Author

John Bisnar is the founding partner of the Bisnar Chase personal injury law firm and creator of BestAttorney.com. He is a leader and innovator in law office management, marketing and the creation of the "Client Experience".Visit http://www.Accidentinjuryattorneyscalifornia.com or call 888-265-0161.

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