Safe Cycling in San Francisco
Now more than ever, San Francisco residents are cycling for recreation and as a means of transportation. In addition to other cyclists, bike riders share city streets with motorists and pedestrians. As traffic volume increases and streets become more congested, it is important that cyclists stay up to date on cycling safety tips. Staying current on the latest cycling safety tips can prevent a cyclist from becoming a victim in a bicycle accident.
“ABC Quick” Bicycle Check
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) recommends all cyclists start their trip with a quick check to ensure bikes are in safe working order. The “ABC Quick” check should only take about a minute and includes:
A = Air – even if it a bike is not ridden, tires will loose a little air every day. Tire pressure should be checked before the beginning of every trip.
The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) recommends all cyclists start their trip with a quick check to ensure bikes are in safe working order. The “ABC Quick” check should only take about a minute and includes:
A = Air – even if it a bike is not ridden, tires will loose a little air every day. Tire pressure should be checked before the beginning of every trip.
B = Brakes – squeeze the brakes to see if they stop the wheel from moving. If either pad does not touch the rim, have your brakes adjusted or replaced.
C = Chain – look for any signs of rust or drying of the chain. If the chain is dry, add a greaseless lubricant. Also, look for any signs of stretching (the chain should not be hanging down). A ruler can be used to measure the distance between the centers of the link pins. If the distance between pins is more than 12 inches, the chain should be replaced.
QUICK = Quick Release – inspect the quick release skewers on the wheel to make sure they are closed and tight. Quick release skewers that are not fastened properly can cause your wheels to shift or even fall off.
Wear A Helmet
Although California law does not require cyclists over the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding, wearing a helmet is always the best idea. If worn properly, helmets can prevent cyclists from sustaining serious head and neck injuries. The SFMTA advises bike riders to wear a helmet that is level on the head, has one finger’s width between the eyebrow and bottom edge of the helmet, and has ear slides that fall just below the ears. If there are any signs of wear, defects or the helmet has been in damaged in a crash, the helmet should either be sent back to the manufacturer or replaced immediately.
Bicycling at Night in San Francisco
When riding at night, wearing reflective or light colored clothing can make a rider visible to others. State law requires cyclists to have reflectors on the back, wheels and pedals of their bike. California law also requires cyclists to have a front light that is visible from at least 200 feet when riding at night.
What to do if You are Involved in a San Francisco Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a San Francisco bicycle collision, do not refuse medical attention. Many serious injuries may not be apparent immediately. Call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. Obtain the driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number and a license plate number. Document your injuries and damage to the bike. Keep your bike in safe place and do not dispose of the bike. Finally, contact a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer. A lawyer with experience in bicycle crash cases can assist you in the litigation process and obtain funds for any costs associated with the accident.
C = Chain – look for any signs of rust or drying of the chain. If the chain is dry, add a greaseless lubricant. Also, look for any signs of stretching (the chain should not be hanging down). A ruler can be used to measure the distance between the centers of the link pins. If the distance between pins is more than 12 inches, the chain should be replaced.
QUICK = Quick Release – inspect the quick release skewers on the wheel to make sure they are closed and tight. Quick release skewers that are not fastened properly can cause your wheels to shift or even fall off.
Wear A Helmet
Although California law does not require cyclists over the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding, wearing a helmet is always the best idea. If worn properly, helmets can prevent cyclists from sustaining serious head and neck injuries. The SFMTA advises bike riders to wear a helmet that is level on the head, has one finger’s width between the eyebrow and bottom edge of the helmet, and has ear slides that fall just below the ears. If there are any signs of wear, defects or the helmet has been in damaged in a crash, the helmet should either be sent back to the manufacturer or replaced immediately.
Bicycling at Night in San Francisco
When riding at night, wearing reflective or light colored clothing can make a rider visible to others. State law requires cyclists to have reflectors on the back, wheels and pedals of their bike. California law also requires cyclists to have a front light that is visible from at least 200 feet when riding at night.
What to do if You are Involved in a San Francisco Bicycle Accident
If you are injured in a San Francisco bicycle collision, do not refuse medical attention. Many serious injuries may not be apparent immediately. Call 911 and report the accident as soon as possible. Obtain the driver’s insurance information, driver’s license number and a license plate number. Document your injuries and damage to the bike. Keep your bike in safe place and do not dispose of the bike. Finally, contact a San Francisco bicycle accident lawyer. A lawyer with experience in bicycle crash cases can assist you in the litigation process and obtain funds for any costs associated with the accident.
By: Estey Bomberger
Article URL: http://www.hg.org/article.asp?id=21387
