Been in a Bike Crash? Witness One? These TIPS Can Help!
- Get out of the road: get yourself and your bike out of the roadway to a safe spot.
- Call police: ask a police officer to document your crash report. Be sure to report any injury or pain you are experiencing, no matter how small.
- Take photos/video at crash scene: use your cell phone to take photos or a video of the car that hit you, including license plates, intersection where crash occurred and photos of the car itself. If you are unable, ask a witness to help.
- Get driver & witness info: collect contact info from any witnesses and/or people who helped you at the scene. Take photos of driver’s license, registration, insurance, and contact info.
- Get immediate medical attention: if you don’t go to the hospital from the scene, be sure to go to your primary care doctor or clinic (as soon as possible) to document your injuries, even if they appear minor. Have someone take photos of your injuries.
- Preserve evidence: Don’t attempt to fix anything or have your bike repaired. Don’t send your bike, helmet, or any other equipment to anyone other than your attorney. Take photos of your equipment, bike, and clothing. Don’t wash or repair your clothing.
- Call a bike crash attorney: don’t communicate with any insurance company before consulting with an attorney. Anything you say to the company can be used against you later.
- Meet an attorney at crash scene: as soon as you are able, make plans to meet your attorney at the crash scene to review details. Alternatively, your attorney can investigate; take photos, videos, and review information with you.
- Stay off social media: it may come back to haunt you!
- Do not speak with insurance companies: Final reminder to not speak with any insurance companies, or the driver after the crash. Be sure to inform them that any inquiries should be directed to your bike crash attorney.
Your Head Deserves a Helmet
The weather has changed, inviting us to be outside riding, but before you ride there are a few safety issues to consider. Your bike should be safe, and we can help with that.
Don’t leave the house without wearing a helmet to protect your head.
Recent studies have shown that in bicycle crashes, deaths and head trauma injuries have increased among adults not wearing helmets. One-third of non-fatal bicycle injuries impact the head. It is important to note that, head injuries in children have not increased, mostly because of parents’ efforts to protect their children and laws that require children to wear helmets.
Pennsylvania’s Bicycle Helmet Law states anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer. For more information, https://www.pasenategop.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/bike-helmet.pdf.
Bicycle helmets should fit low and level on the head, one or two finger-widths above the eyebrows. Adjust the straps so that the helmet cannot move from side to side or back and forth. The side straps should form a V below the ears and the chinstrap should be buckled snugly, allowing just one or two fingers to fit under the strap.
Other safety tips when riding:
• Wear bright and reflective clothing.
• Wear an approved helmet to protect your head.
• Ride on the right side of the road.
• Obey road signs, traffic lights and signal your intentions in advance.
• Use lights on your bicycle, red flashing on the back and a white light in the front.
Be Seen • Be Safe
Know Your ABCs
Your bike should be safe, and we can help with that. Learn the ABC’s of biking. Check the AIR in your tires, check your BRAKES and oil your CHAIN (the best chain oil is what your local bike shop recommends).
Bicycle Safety Tips
4 Foot Passing Law
PA state law requires that motor vehicles must allow 4 feet of distance when overtaking a bicycle and travel at a careful and prudent speed. It is the motorist’s responsibility to provide this distance, not that of the cyclist.
Wear A Helmet
Always wear a properly fitting helmet when you ride your bike. Studies found that helmet use significantly reduced the odds of head injury. The odds of a fatal head injury are also lower when cyclists wear helmets. In Pennsylvania the law states, anyone under the age of 12 must wear a helmet when riding a bicycle. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger, or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.
Follow The Rules Of The Road
Ride like you are driving a car and obey all traffic laws. Cyclists have every right to be on the road and share the lane with vehicles, which means we must act like vehicles and subscribe to the same rules of the road.
Mirrors
Riders should make it a habit to check and observe what is happening behind them. Having mirrors on your bike, helmet or glasses, will allow you to monitor what’s happening, like approaching vehicles or cyclists behind you, more easily.
Reflectors – Front & Rear
Every bike that Recycle Bicycle Harrisburg distributes is outfitted with reflectors. Red for the rear and white for the front. Make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors.
Use Flashing Lights – Front & Rear
If possible, use daytime-visible solid front (white) and rear (red) lights. Most are rechargeable and are to be turned on at all times while the cyclist is riding their bike.
Ride Defensively
Be focused and alert to the road and all traffic around you; anticipate what others may do, before they do it.
Don’t Text & Ride
Do not use your cell phone or other devices while riding your bike. Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times. Do not wear ear phones/buds while riding. Listening for traffic is as important as seeing it.
Learn more about Pennsylvania bicycle safety guidelines
