Cycling accident claims can affect anyone, but students are at particular risk. While many people who are going to university are finding out how useful a mode of transport the bicycle can be, it is worth remembering that bicycle journeys pose a number of hazards, and personal injury solicitors regularly see road traffic accident claims involving cyclists.
So how can cash-conscious students protect their safety? Find it below:
1. Select the right bike and helmet: While students might want to opt for either the most stylish bike or the cheapest bike, it is best to choose a sensible bike. This will likely be a mountain bike, and should be the right size for its particular rider. Bicycle dealers should be able to advise customers on which bike to choose.
Helmets should also be the right size and should fit comfortably on the head without any movement. Cyclists should wear a helmet every time they go for a ride – doing so could reduce the severity of any head injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident and will help to show the rider took steps to protect their safety in a road traffic accident claim.
2. Plan the route in advance: With many students unfamiliar with the city or town their university is in, it is easy for cyclists to get lost or to accidentally find themselves taking unnecessarily dangerous journeys. Some university towns have cycling routes that can improve a cyclist’s safety and help them avoid road traffic accident claims, so students should plan to take these if possible. It is wise for people to plan where they are going and how they are getting there, and to carry their mobile phone around with them in case they get lost. No matter how broke a student might get in the last weeks of term, it is highly advisable for people to keep £10 or £20 in their bank account so they can pay for a taxi in emergencies.
People should also not ride their bikes in adverse weather conditions, and should use reflectors and headlights and wear bright clothing, especially if riding at dawn, at dusk or in the night time. Therefore, students should think about their journey back before they set off.
3. Keep the bicycle in good condition: A bike is no longer safe to ride if the tires, brakes or gears no longer work, and it is best for people to leave their bikes at home and take the bus or walk if the vehicle is not safe for use. If people fail to keep their bicycles safe, and are in a car accident while riding this unsafe vehicle, a no win no fee solicitor may be unable to prove that the other road user in the road traffic accident claim was negligent, which could impact the cyclist’s ability to claim compensation.
Students should also never ride their bike while drunk. Doing so is actually illegal and will significantly increase the rider’s likelihood of being involved in a collision.
University is a great time to ride a bike – students can be at their peak of physical fitness, and university towns can be very scenic. Safety, however, should always be a priority.
Author Bio: Justin Chan loves driving his Toyota Avensis around the country lanes in Lancashire and seeing the beautiful sights of the county. He also looks into motor vehicle accident compensation claims for a team of car accident solicitors, which makes him a keen advocate of safe driving and improvements to the UK’s roads.
