Bike Safety Tips to Stay Healthy

Portland residents are being encouraged to stay home as a way of preventing the spread of COVID-19, otherwise known as the coronavirus. Engaging in solo activities such as bicycling can provide some relief. It can also provide a good source of transportation for those who need groceries and for people still on the job. In either situation, it is important to take precautions. Bicycle accidents are common and the last thing you want is to have to call on already overloaded first responders. Requiring medical care for bicycle accident injuries will also increase your risk of being infected with the virus. The following offers some safety tips to help prevent this and protect you while riding during this difficult period. 

Recreational Bike Safety

According to a March 21, 2020, OPB news report, state and local leaders have been reluctant to issue a shelter-in-place order, as it implies remaining indoors until a specific catastrophe or crisis passes. In light of concerns regarding the coronavirus, they have instituted a program called ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ instead. This encourages people to remain in their homes and to reduce their activities to help prevent community spread. For now, people are still permitted to engage in some outdoor activities, provided they do so while maintaining social distancing. 

Portland has an active cycling community and hosts numerous events for biking enthusiasts. As a result of the coronavirus, these have all been canceled or rescheduled. Bicycling on your own remains an option, but you need to take the following precautions: 

• Avoid crowded areas and make sure you stay at least six feet away from others;
• Be cautious on trails and places with gravel roads, which make skidding on your bike more likely to happen;
• Pay attention and be alert to obstacles in your path
• Make sure your bike is properly maintained, which can help to prevent bicycle accidents. 

Even if you pick a suitably remote spot to ride, bicycle accidents are a risk. Avoid distractions such as earbuds while riding, wear light, bright colors to ensure visibility, carry identification on you at all times, and let someone know your itinerary. 

Tips for Those Who Rely on Bicycling for Transportation

According to CityLab.com, close to 25,000 Portland residents rely on bicycles as their main source of transportation. If you are taking your bike to work or out to get groceries and other supplies, you need to be extra cautious. Tips that can help you protect you against bike accidents include: 

• Be alert for emergency responders if riding near hospitals, police or fire stations;
• Be alert for reckless and distracted drivers; 
• Go slowly through grocery store parking lots, watching for people pulling in and out of spaces;
• Stick to the bike lane and avoid highways or other heavily traveled areas. 

Let Us Help You Today

If you do suffer injuries as a result of a bicycle accident, reach out to the Johnston Law Firm P.C. for help. Call (503) 546-3167 or contact our Portland bike accident attorneys online today to schedule a consultation.