Bicycle accidents may not happen as much as motor vehicle accidents, but when one does occur, the injuries are more likely to be serious, if not fatal. Motorists are learning to share the road with cyclists, reducing the number of incidents, but it is still important to pay attention when on the road.
Whenever you are out biking, always remember that bicycles are considered vehicles and need to be operated as such. Obey the rules of the road, and keep in mind the circumstances that more typically lead to accidents.
According to a 2015 PennDOT report, there are some recurring factors in many bicycles accidents:
In addition to these elements, most bike accidents are caused by other vehicles. In all of the bicycle accidents involving cars reported in 2015, an injury or fatality occurred, in addition to property damage. This suggests that one of the more dangerous situations for cyclists is when you are riding on the road.
To avoid problems when you take your bike on the street, always stay aware of the vehicles and motorists around you, and educate yourself about the steps you should take and the legal recourse available if you do happen to have an accident.