Safe Bicycle Riding Tips in Oregon

If you are ready to go out on a beautiful (or even rainy!) day to ride your bicycle, then there are some things you should do beforehand to stay safe. Because the best ride is one that does not end with an accident or any physical bodily harm.

In this article, the Oregon bicycle accident injury attorneys at Rosenbaum Law Group will discuss tips about bicycle riding preparedness. We care about our Portland community and want everyone to stay safe when they ride their bicycles. We know how much Oregonians love riding their bikes, so providing information to avoid potential pitfalls that could lead to an injury accident may be helpful.

What to Do Before a Bike Ride in Oregon 

It is imperative that when you purchase a bike, you try it out. Finding the right size for your body and a suitable model for your comfort and control is essential. And, if you need assistance learning how to adjust your bike correctly for your body size, there are several resources that can help you with this. First, the bike shop where you purchased your bike will likely be able to offer guidance. Or, maybe you have a friend or family member that can assist you. Otherwise, you can easily find instructional tutorials online.

Then, before you go out on a leisurely ride, you should check the weather to see what you may encounter. Dress and pack accordingly. If you are going to make a reasonably challenging ride over long distances and on busy roadways, and the weather is not ideal, and especially if you are not experienced with your route, you may want to try this out on another day that has more favorable conditions.

If you want to read a comprehensive guide to safe riding, the Oregon Department of Transportation has provided a tremendous resource: the Oregon Bicycling Manual.  A link to this guide is below.  The Manual provides you with detailed information on almost every scenario you can expect in a daily or recreational ride.  From defensive riding strategies to biking with kids, the Manual is an excellent resource to consult whenever a question pops up.

Next, making sure your bike is in good working order is critical. Here, you can follow the ABC checklist for safe bicycling in Oregon.

• Air – check tires to make sure they are properly inflated. And inspect tires to see if there are any holes or defects.
• Brakes – you should test your front and rear brakes to confirm that they effectively stop your bike’s wheels when force is applied to the levers.
• Cranks and Chain – take a look at your bike’s cranks and chains to see that they are clean and that they have no issues preventing them from smooth operations, and that they do not get stuck or are too loose for operation.

While you may not have to go through the ABC checklist every time you go out for a ride, doing so regularly can help you make sure that your bike is in good shape. When your bike is tip-top, it can function just the way that you expect, and you can stay safer on the road during a ride.

Speak to an Oregon Bicycle Injury Attorney Today 

Even when a bicyclist does everything right and is a responsible rider, crashes can still happen. In these instances, bicyclists need the most seasoned and experienced legal representation to help them file a claim for financial compensation.

Call an Oregon personal injury attorney at the Rosenbaum Law Group today at (503) 288-8000 to schedule a free consultation so you can have your case reviewed.

Source:

oregon.gov/odot/programs/tdd%20documents/oregon-bicyclist-manual.pdf