Riding your bike can be an excellent way to exercise and support the environment while getting where you need to go. Although biking is a relatively safe activity, some hazards can lead to a life-changing accident.
These are some of the most common causes of bike accidents.
Distracted biking
You already know that distractions behind the wheel of a car can lead to a collision. However, it is also essential that, as a cyclist, you keep your focus on the road, too. When you are distracted, it makes it difficult to respond quickly to changes around you.
Traffic impacts bikes, too
According to a 2019 study, most bike accidents happen in urban areas. These congested areas are full of potential risks that can make biking more dangerous.
When biking in a densely-populated area, it is essential to stay alert to your surroundings to react to pedestrians, motorists and other cyclists. Others on the road will be distracted or responding to traffic, so it is critical to be aware while biking.
Road conditions and weather
The road is not always an ideal surface for biking. Debris from construction can make you more likely to lose balance and crash.
The weather also significantly impacts how your bike handles on the road. Slippery streets and low-visibility conditions can make it difficult to control your bicycle and see where you are going.
When you know the common causes of bike accidents, you can take steps to prevent a collision while riding your bicycle.