More People in Ohio are Riding Bikes: Here’s Some Safety Tips

Although people are largely on lockdown due to the COVID pandemic, they are still trying to get out and about. One way people are getting around in Ohio is by riding bikes. In fact, more people than ever are riding bikes on the 207 miles of trails in and around Sandusky.

Unfortunately, more bikes on the roads means potentially dangerous situations for riders. If you or a loved one are injured in a bike accident, attorney Kyle Wright can help. Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co., LPA has helped thousands of victims who have been injured by someone else’s actions. Call us today at (419) 625-7770 for a free, no risk consultation.

Here are some safety tips for riding bikes during the pandemic:

Follow the Rules of the Road

Bike riders in Ohio must follow many of the same laws as motor vehicles, as well as additional ones specifically for cyclists.

Bike are considered “vehicles” under Ohio law. They can be operated on all roads except freeways and certain limited access roadways. When bikers ride, they are expected to stay in the lanes on paved roadways and not ride on the sidewalk.

Even when there is traffic, bikes are allowed to ride alongside cars.

Bicycles should be ridden as near to the right of the roadway as realistic. That means bike riders should stay to the right unless they are turning left and need to be in a turn lane or unless it is unreasonable or unsafe to do so. For example, a biker may need to avoid fixed objects or parked cars in the right hand lane.

Bicycle riders are allowed to ride two abreast, meaning side-by-side in the same lane. However, they do not have to move out of the way of faster traffic.

Bikers are also allowed to ride at night, but they must abide by equipment laws. Between sunset and sunrise, bikes must have a white light on the front and red reflectors and a red light on the rear. It’s important to have the right lights on your bike because most accidents occur at night or during times of poor visibility.

Wear a Helmet and Other Safety Gear

Bikers are at such a high risk for serious injuries because they have very little to protect them if there is a wreck with a larger vehicle. You can minimize the impact of a crash by wearing protective gear like a helmet, elbow and knee pads, and a padded jacket.

Ohio does not require adults to wear helmets, but it is highly recommended. You can get a safe helmet at bike shops, online, or anywhere that sells bike equipment.

Call a Bike Accident Attorney After an Accident

The best thing you can do to protect yourself after an accident is call an attorney. You will have to file a legal claim with the insurance company of the at-fault driver. The insurance company will take advantage of you if they can. By working with Kademenos, Wisehart, Hines, Dolyk & Wright Co., LPA, you will ensure that your rights are protected.

Attorney Kyle Wright has helped countless injury victims get the compensation they need to recover after a personal injury. Let him gather the evidence, interview witnesses, and prove that the driver was at fault.

Call us today at (419) 625-7770 for a free consultation. We will discuss what happened, help determine liability, and what you can expect from an insurance claim or lawsuit. There is no risk because we only get paid when you recover compensation.