The Lansing Area Guide to Biking in The City
Biking around the city is scary. While the Lansing General Area is a safe locale, cities can scare many people. It’s not all about violent crimes – cars and high-speed automobiles can cause bicycle accidents and personal injury.
In 2017, almost 800 cyclists died from traffic crashes. Since we know that a collision between a car and bike will cause the bicycle losing, urban cycling can be terrifying. If you do it right, however, biking in the city can be a fun experience that can lead to zero personal injury cases. In fact, The League of American Bicyclists named the City of Lansing as one of only eight bicycle friendly communities in Michigan.
In this article, we’ll give you the best guide to biking safely around the city. We’ll give you the most practical way to get around the city safe and without getting in trouble. Here’s what every biker in the city should know.
Understanding City Biking Laws Should be a Top Priority
Before you even go out biking in the city, remember all the local city and state laws you have. Remember that following each one of them can prevent any undue personal injuries and city fines. Much like actual car driving, cycling in the city has its set of laws, so it’s worth it to look at the basics.
Are helmets mandatory? Can you use pedestrian lanes or are there specific bike lanes? Can you pass cars on the left side?
One good place to learn these rules is from your local state laws or the League of American Bicyclists. They provide different types of information on specific laws per state. While the information is not the latest, it’s a great primer that can give you the most basic understanding of local bike laws.
If You Don’t Want To Read Bike Laws…
If you don’t have time yet to brush up on your local Michigan pedestrian laws, there’s an easy way to bypass that. To follow all city biking laws is to treat your bicycle like any other car. What does this mean?
Even in a bike, don’t beat the red light. Don’t cut others off. Make sure you’re using the right lane when turning on a corner.
Depending on the state, you will have your dedicated biking lane. The law will treat you as part of the entire local traffic. Your demeanor should fit like someone who’s a part of the local traffic too.
Proper form and demeanor when driving around are crucial when driving around the city. It will not only keep you safe, but will also prevent others from incurring personal injuries. Discipline is what will keep you from automobile accidents and personal injury lawsuits.
Safely Tips When Biking Around the City
Another core tenet of driving in the city is to assume drivers can’t see you. Bicycle safety starts with believing that vehicles can’t see you, so you will be extra cautious when moving near or around them. Assume too that cars will not alter their paths for you, so it’s crucial always to give in.
Every car in your general vicinity may turn right, so keep a safe distance before moving into corners or traveling in intersections. Since you’re creating an assumption that people won’t mind you, your best bet is to keep yourself safe. Here are some crucial safety tips you can follow on the road.
- Don’t wear headphones.
The simplest thing you need to do when biking around the city is not to wear headphones. It’s crucial to your safety that you don’t.
Headphones will divide your focus between you and the road. Unlike a car, you don’t have protection from the elements and personal harm. Distracted driving can be fatal.
Besides, you need to hear about your environment. All the car horns, warning signs, and buzz are telltale signs of how you should move around. They allow you to navigate safely around the city.
- Use commuter bikes.
You might think riding a mountain bike in the city is the best option because they’re tank-level machines, but you’re wrong. A smaller commuter bike is the better option, as it gives you the best speed and balance. They’re much cheaper too, which means anyone can afford them.
A commuter bike is also a single-speed bicycle, so your top speed has limits.
- Be equipped with bike lights.
If you’re the type who likes biking at night, invest in night lights and taillights to signal your movement. A solar-powered night light or by dynamo can be a great way to lead around the city. It’s also an excellent way for vehicles to notice you on the road.
- Use proper navigation tools and keep your cool.
If you have to navigate, use navigation apps like Google Maps. You would want to use the best routes that allow for a bicycle around the city. If you’re not sure about moving around, try practicing your bicycle skills in areas with less traffic.
Keep your cool too. Drivers hate cyclists. Many think cyclists are slow and take up the road with no regard. Accept this and yield as much as you can. It’s not safe, so better not argue.
Biking in the City Should Not Be Complicated
Biking in the city is a fun experience if you know how to do it right. Your adherence to state laws can help make sure you are far from personal injury – both to yourself and to others. These will contribute to a better, more enjoyable biking city. If you experience personal injury during biking in traffic, it’s best to talk to a legal expert that can give you the right advice on the matter. Talk to a Lansing automobile accident lawyer at Clark Law Office for sound legal advice in Michigan.
- Will a Chiropractor Help a Pinched Nerve: A Legal Guide - January 6, 2025
- Occipital Neuralgia Caused by Car Accident: A Legal Overview - December 17, 2024
- Essential Guide to Crafting a Demand Letter for Medical Malpractice - December 12, 2024