Safe Bicycling in Scottsdale

By The Husband and Wife Law Team on July 15, 2017

Scottsdale is currently recognized as a “gold level” bicycle-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Scottsdale works to provide safe accommodations for cyclists and encourages people to bike to work or for recreational purposes. The city puts out promotional materials that remind residents to bike when possible, follow safety rules, and look for bike lanes and paths wherever they are available.

There are several bike lanes and trails throughout the city, including the Scottsdale Bike Path. Many Scottsdale residents use the lanes and paths to commute and cut down on environmental pollution, as well as to get their daily exercise.

Scottsdale Bicycle Safety Tips

There are many safety hazards that a bicyclist might encounter on a ride, and it’s important to ride with awareness and know how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. For example:

• Wear a helmet and appropriate clothing. Bike helmets can protect you from concussions and even death. They should be properly fitted (go to a bike store for help) and clasped at all times. Your clothing should protect you from the sun and the elements, and be brightly colored so passing motorists can easily spot you.
• Watch for cars and obey traffic laws. Motorists don’t always look carefully for others who are sharing the roads. They may be looking for cars and fail to spot a smaller bicycle, and therefore sideswipe or merge into it. If you are a bicyclist, make sure to ride defensively and be ready to swerve away from cars that don’t seem to be giving you the required three feet of space to share the road.
• Stay alert for dogs. Some owners are irresponsible and don’t keep their dogs in a fenced yard. There have been bicycle accidents caused by an aggressive dog that chases the cyclist. If you see a dog, shout “No!” to attempt to stop the dog (and alert the owner at the same time), and try to change your route to avoid it.

Be Aware of This Common Hazard:

One of the most overlooked safety threats to bicyclists is a motorist opening his car door without looking to see who might be passing by. When motorists park on the side of the road, they might sit in their cars for a few moments before exiting. When they exit, they swing their doors open without looking for cyclists.

If this happens, it can cause serious injuries. The bicyclist either has to swerve into traffic to avoid the door, or he has to try to stop and will likely hit the door at top speed. This scenario is nearly unavoidable for cyclists, as there is nothing they can do to be aware or try to prevent it. Motorists need to look into a side-view mirror for oncoming bicyclists before they open their doors!

What to Do If You Are Injured

If you use one of Scottsdale’s many bike lanes and are the victim of a bicycle accident, get medical help. Falls from bicycles can result in internal injuries even if you think you aren’t hurt. After you are checked by a physician, talk to a Scottsdale bicycle accident attorney to find out if you have a case. Contact Breyer Law Offices, P.C., today for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident.