Spring Safety Tips To Prevent Bicycle Accidents In Naples

Long days and warmer weather mark the arrival of spring. Local bicyclists look forward to this time of year, as the mild temperatures and reduced traffic in our area make riding through city streets far more pleasant.

Before hitting the road again this bicycle season, take time for a few precautions. Our Naples bicycle accident lawyer explains potential risks and steps you can take to help ensure safe riding.

Preparations That Can Help Prevent Naples Bicycle Accidents

The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) reports that an average of nearly 150 bicycle accidents in Collier County happen each year. With the increase of bicyclists on local roads in the spring, the risks of being involved in a Naples bike accident increase as well.

Whether you ride as part of your commute or more for fun and the physical fitness benefits, there are simple preparations you can take in the spring to help ensure your safety. These include:

• Provide routine maintenance on your bike: Check the brakes, steering, chains, and tires, making any repairs as needed.
• Invest in safety gear: In addition to a helmet, consider goggles to protect your eyes, gloves to better grip handlebars, and closed-toe shoes to protect your feet.
• Review local bike routes: Naples offers over 30 miles of bike pathways, double the square footage of the city.
• Practice bicycle hand and arm signals: These are listed under Section 316.157 of the Florida Statutes.

Arm signals play an important role in protecting your safety and allow you to communicate with others on the road. In general, an arm raised outward and upward indicates a turn, while downward gestures indicate a stop or drop in speed.

Bicycle Safety Tips When Sharing The Road With Motorists

Bicycle accidents in Naples often occur due to motorists’ reckless behavior. Using arm and hand signals is a good way to communicate with them and increase your visibility. Make sure to wear light, bright colors when riding and have head and taillights installed on your bike if you frequently ride at night. To further protect your safety, The Naples Pathways Coalition offers these additional tips:

• Always ride in the same direction as traffic;
• Be predictable, and avoid swerving in and out of lanes;
• Pay attention and avoid distractions, such as headphones and electronic devices;
• Avoid bicycling if you have any amount of alcohol in your system or are under the influence of drugs or certain medications.

Injured In A Crash? Contact Our Naples Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Despite taking precautions, bicycle accidents in Naples can still happen and have the potential to cause serious injuries. If you or someone you love is hurt due to motorists’ reckless behavior, reach out to the Cardinal Law Firm. We provide the caring service and professional legal representation you need to get compensation. To request a consultation with our experienced Naples bicycle accident lawyer, call or contact us online today.

Sources:

flhsmv.gov/pdf/crashreports/crash_facts_2020.pdf

naplesgov.com/community/page/cycling-naples

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.157.html#:~:text=(a)%20Left%20turn.,right%20side%20of%20the%20bicycle.

naplespathways.org/safety-tips#:~:text=Be%20visible%20%2D%20wear%20bright%20colors,a%20very%20common%20collision%20point