Pedalcyclists are bicyclists and other cyclists including riders of two-wheel, nonmotorized vehicles, tricycles and unicycles powered solely by pedals.
Each year about 2 percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. In a majority of bicyclist deaths, the most serious injuries are to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet.
More adults across the country are becoming pedalcyclists and use the bicycle as their means of transportation to go to work. According to “Journal of the American Medical Association” between 1998 and 2013 the hospital admissions because of bicycle injuries more than doubled. And – the rise was the biggest with bikers ages 45 and over. Another study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, found a similar trend with bicycle deaths: While the death rate among child cyclists has plummeted in the past four decades, the mortality rate among cyclists ages 35 to 54 has tripled.
But at the end of the day, reducing cycling accidents may boil down to something simpler: Making sure that bikers know the rules of the road — and that drivers know how to deal with bikers.
Top mistakes that cyclists make: (1) Rides out into the street from a driveway, alley or from between parked cars without stopping or looking for traffic. Look left-right-left before entering a road (just like driving a vehicle). (2) Bicyclists turns or swerves suddenly into the path of a motorist. Ride in straight, predictable lines. Look over your shoulder for traffic. Use hand signals before changing lanes. (3) Riding through a stop sign or red light. You MUST follow the same rules of the road as motorists. (4) Riding in the wrong direction. Always ride with the flow of traffic – never against it. (5) Riding while impaired. This affects your balance, coordination, focus and quick reactions that may be necessary.
The cyclist should always keep the following things in mind:
(1) Be alert (always scan ahead, center, left and right).
(2) Be wary (always be aware of vehicles and pedestrians).
(3) Be seen (wear light clothing, use hand signals, have lights on your bike).
(4) Ride with your head up and look well ahead. (Do not stare at the ground.)
There are many advantages by taking to the streets on a nonmotorized vehicle (health, saving money that would have to be spent on motorized vehicle, etc.). But whatever you do, please be safe and be sure to follow the rules of the road.
