Like to bike? Saving gas may have high cost
Sky-high gas prices were bound to make one change in this “green” era of ecological emphases: Americans aren’t just recycling, but cycling.
That’s right, we’re locking up our gas-guzzlers and picking up bicycles as a means of transportation, and not just for recreation. Those $4.50 gallons of gas have fueled a new bike binge and a retro go at traveling to-and-fro on two self-powered wheels.
That’s a good thing, and it’s a bad thing. It’s good because it saves people gas money, contributes to their physical fitness and reduces the amount of gunk which cars spew into the atmosphere. It’s bad because bicyclists, like motorcycle riders, are extremely vulnerable in traffic, and many people in cars fail to see them or yield to them.With new bicycles flying — well, wheeling — out of stores, and with more and more bike riders on the roads, the chances for traffic accidents are multiplied. While no firm statistics are available yet for 2008, one report from New York indicates that bicycle fatalities have doubled so far this year, compared to last year.
If that holds true nationwide, then America could be amassing 1,600 bicycle traffic deaths this year. Last year, the nation had 800 such deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
That doesn’t mean people should stop riding bicycles. It does mean that everyone, from bike riders to vehicle drivers, should pay even more close attention to the road while navigating it. Otherwise, the mounting statistics of bike users will reflect a mounting statistic of bike accident victims.
Unlike Austin, Houston is not known as a bike-friendly city, though it does have some streets and roads with narrow side lanes to encourage bicycle use. But the fact is, most bicyclists — especially those commuting over long distances to work — must travel roads which were designed for cars and are traveled regularly by cars only. And just because a bike rider is entitled to the same right of way as a large vehicle doesn’t mean that drivers will grant it. Many, in fact, will be oblivious to having a bike in their sights until it may be too late.
If you’re riding a bike to work now, instead of a car, keep in mind that you must conform to the same rules of the road as if you were in a car. This includes traffic signals, meaning you’ll have to resort to hand signals. For a refresher on hand signals, look here. Also, be sure to wear a helmet and adhere to rules of the road.
None of those things will guarantee your safety, but for anyone traveling on our treacherous streets and highways, boosting the odds in your favor is what it’s all about.
That extends to protecting yourself and your family if and after a bike accident occurs. If you or a loved one has suffered injury in such an accident, a bicycle accident lawyer from Jim S. Adler & Associates can help. Proper safety measures always come first, but that doesn’t mean a bicycle accident attorney can’t also help.
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