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How To Safely Ride A Bicycle On The Charlotte Streets?

By Brown Moore

August 31, 2021

Home News & Resources How To Safely Ride A Bicycle On The Charlotte Streets?

Riding a bicycle is a great way to care for the environment, stay in shape, and reduce your carbon footprint. It is also a dangerous hobby no matter where you ride. It is especially dangerous on city streets. With so much vehicle and pedestrian traffic, bicyclists are put in harm’s way at all times of the day and night. The team of Charlotte bicycle accident attorneys from Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC provides safety tips for riding a bicycle on the Charlotte streets in today’s blog.

Make Sure You Can be Seen

Do your best to be seen by all motorists, pedestrians, and other cyclists when riding on the streets of Charlotte, North Carolina. Wear reflective and bright clothing, install a headlight and flashing red light on the front and rear of your bicycle, and make eye contact with others as much as possible. You can add more visibility to your bike by adding lights to the spokes of the wheels.

Ride According to the Laws

Every state has different bike laws and North Carolina is no different. However, most of the laws are universal across the country when it comes to how you should ride your bike in traffic. Always ride with the flow of traffic, not against it. This makes it easier to turn right, turn left, see traffic lights and stop signs, and see pedestrians. When riding a bicycle, be sure to do the following:

  • Stop at all intersections controlled by traffic lights when the light is red
  • Stop at all stop signs and yield to oncoming traffic
  • Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
  • Use hand signals when turning left or right

Be sure to utilize a bike lane if one is available, avoid riding on sidewalks unless it is allowed, and ride in a single file.

Remain Focused on Riding and Not Chatting

If you are riding with a group of people, focus on the ride and not the conversation. Doing so could save your life. When you focus on what is in front of you and not talking to another biker next to or behind you, you will be able to better anticipate hazards and actions of motorists and pedestrians so you can make the necessary maneuvers with your bicycle. You should also avoid wearing headphones while riding or using your mobile phone.

Plan Your Route Before Biking

City streets might be a dime a dozen, but you never know when you will encounter construction or road closures for other reasons (events, emergencies, downed trees, etc.). Try to plan your route before heading out on your bike ride. Doing so will not only save you time but also help you avoid hazards that can lead to a Charlotte bicycle accident.

Call a Charlotte Bicycle Accident Attorney For Help

If you suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, it’s in your best interest to speak with an experienced Charlotte bicycle accident attorney about your case. Call the office of Brown Moore & Associates, PLLC toll-free at 800-948-0577, or complete a contact form to schedule a consultation.