As a bicyclist, you are well aware of the fact that one must always be watchful while riding around city streets. You may watch for cars and people, but in fact, some of the most dangerous features lie right beneath your wheels. Knowing these risky places and how to cross them safely can make the difference between an enjoyable ride and a bad accident.
Your safety on the road depends not only on your cycling behavior but also on your ability to identify various infrastructure challenges and give appropriate responses. Let’s look at some common elements that present a serious risk to cyclists on the road and learn how to protect yourself.
Drain Grates: The Hidden Trap
Probably the most notorious of the dangers you will encounter while riding is the drain grate. Necessary infrastructure can sometimes be a risky trap for two-wheeled transportation, especially when their slots are parallel to the direction of travel. Your bicycle’s narrow tires can easily slip into these slots, causing you to lose control or to be thrown from your bike.
Even worse, some older grate designs can trap and hold your wheel, leading to an immediate and dangerous stop. If you find yourself in a bicycle accident because of these elements, don’t hesitate to contact the top bicycle accident lawyers to help you receive justice and avoid legal obstacles.
Railroad Tracks – Cross with Care
Railroad tracks across your line of travel pose another serious menace. Like drain grates, these metal rails will catch your bicycle wheels if you don’t cross them properly. The space between the rail and the road surface is about the width of an everyday bike tire, and wet or rusty rails are as slick as ice.
When crossing railroad tracks, you want to be able to cross them at as close to a 90-degree angle as safely possible. This may mean you need to adjust your position on the road well in advance. Keep your body as relaxed as possible, but keep a firm grip on your handlebars, trying to lighten slightly off your saddle to help absorb the shock of the crossing.
Road Surface Changes and Construction Plates
Be watchful for sudden changes in road surface texture or elevation. Examples include transitions from asphalt to concrete, temporary metal construction plates, and rough or uneven pavement patches. Due to their smooth surface, metal plates become very slippery when wet and often have raised edges that can catch your wheels.
Safety through these hazards is enhanced if you can maintain as constant a speed as possible without sudden braking or sharp turns on changing surfaces.
The Bottom Line
Awareness of those road hazards is your first line of defense against accidents. While one cannot completely always avoid these elements, knowing how to recognize and safely pass them goes a long way in making your rides so much safer. Be on the lookout, plan your course in advance whenever possible, and always keep your bicycle in good condition to better deal with these challenges when they arise.
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