For cyclists, staying safer while riding often means wearing a helmet, gloves and perhaps other types of safety gear. Cyclists know that they don’t get any protection from the bike itself in the event of a crash — not like how a motorist gets protection from the car — so their level of safety comes back to the gear they’re willing to wear.
One thing to consider, though, is that safety equipment is not the only way to stay protected. One thing cyclists can focus on is avoiding an accident initially. They don’t want to have to rely on that helmet to protect them. The best way to make sure they don’t have to is to keep motorists from hitting them.
One way to do this is by wearing bright colors. As they say, “be bright, be seen.” A cyclist with a black bike, a black shirt and a gray helmet is going to blend into the road. A cyclist who chooses a lime green shirt and an orange helmet stands out and attracts attention. Don’t pick your outfit based on fashion. When you ride, pick it based on how visible it makes you to the drivers around you.
Another thing to consider is riding with a light on your bike. A headlight may help you see, but a strobe actually makes you more visible to drivers. Some riders put one on the front and the rear of the bike. Even riding with a strobe during the day makes you stand out. Anything that gets a driver’s attention or makes them see that something unexpected is on the road with them can, in turn, make you safer on your bike.
Naturally, though, you cannot prevent all accidents. If you get injured, you may have a right to financial compensation.
