Helmets and Cycling Safety
Without a doubt, bicycles are one of the healthiest and most environmentally-friendly ways to get to school or work, exercise, or even just leisurely ride around your local park or neighborhood. However, as with any means of transport, bicycles do have their risks. But many of the most serious injuries that can happen, including many fatal ones, can be prevented simply by wearing a helmet and pads.
In particular, the importance of a helmet can't be over-stated. All head injuries are dangerous and should be taken seriously. Sometimes a person can suffer a life-threatening head injury without realizing it. Fortunately, most bicycle-related injuries are just scrapes and bruises. But even at low speeds, a cyclist's head hitting the pavement without the protection of a helmet can lead to unconsciousness, concussion, or even a skull fracture or brain damage.
More Bicycle Safety Strategies
The risks of cycling accidents can be reduced even further by wearing elbow and knee pads and protective clothing. With that extra protection in place, you can avoid many painful cuts, scrapes, and bruises and reduce the risk of broken bones.
In many places, cyclists are also required by law to wear reflectors or blinkers on their bike and/or on their body. The State of Illinois requires anyone riding after dark to have at minimum a front light visible from 500ft to the front and a red reflector visible from 100 to 600ft from the rear. New bicycles sold in Illinois must also have pedal reflectors, side reflectors, and a front facing reflector.
In addition to these safety features, bear in mind that as a cyclist you're entitled to the same rights and subject to the same regulations as someone using any other type of vehicle. Some cyclists don't realize that they're required to stop at all stop signs and signal all turns, just as when driving a car. In Illinois, cyclists are required to favor the right of the road, as near to the curb as is safe. Many cities have put bike lanes in place, and some prohibit riding bicycles on the sidewalk.
Contact Us
If you or a loved one has suffered a cycling injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, the experienced Chicago personal injury lawyers can help you. For more information on your rights and what steps you can take, contact the Chicago law offices of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C., today at 312-466-8200.