Safety Tips for Bicyclists to Avoid Car Accidents in St. Louis

A bike accident involving an automobile can be devastating, and result in permanent disability or even death.

If you are a bicyclist in St. Louis or Missouri – whether you’re commuting to work on a bicycle, or you’re training for a long bicycle race or triathlon – you’ll know that St. Louis is considered quite bike friendly, with more miles of dedicated bike lanes than Seattle.

As St. Louis car accident attorneys know, bike accidents still can happen, and they can cause serious injuries, or even be fatal. Fatal bike and pedestrian accidents are, unfortunately, still common in the city.

In this article, we’ll look at some safety tips that can help you stay safe on the roads and bike trails.

1. Take Out Those Headphones

Even if you are on a dedicated bike trail, riding with headphones is a terrible idea. You should be alert in order to hear cars nearby which may not see you – and music blocks out your hearing.

2. Always Signal Your Turns

If you don’t signal your turns by raising an arm, drivers may try to pass you on the left or right – and hit you as you begin to turn. Learn how to signal properly. This makes you visible to drivers, and helps indicate your path of travel, ensuring your safety.

3. Avoid Confrontation with Angry Drivers

Unfortunately, some drivers may not understand that you have the right to the whole lane, and will honk at you, yell at you, or otherwise harass you. Do not confront them, and don’t continue to ride near them.

Stop riding, pause for a little while, and allow them to drive away from you. An angry driver is more likely to harm you while riding your bike, either purposefully, or accidentally while trying to pass you in a dangerous area.

4. Be on the Lookout for Cars Pulling out of Intersections and Driveways

One of the most common accidents is the “right cross” where a car pulls out of an intersection, driveway, or other road in front of you, without seeing you. Slow down at these intersections, wave to get the attention of the driver, and ride in the middle of the lane to ensure you’re seen.

5. Put Lights on Your Bike (And Helmet!)

Bike lights help make you more obvious in both the day and night, especially if they are very bright. You should have lights on your bicycle – and ideally, on your helmet. Lights make it much easier for drivers to see you, particularly in the morning and evening.