What scene represents spring in Minneapolis better than an abundance of bicycles on the roads? With miles of bike paths and roads with bike lanes, the Twin Cities is a haven for bicyclists. In fact, Nice Ride Minnesota, the area’s bike sharing program, will be open for business two weeks early this year thanks to spring’s early arrival.
Before the bikes come out of storage on April 1, we wanted to share a few bike safety reminders with our readers, and the Department of Natural Resources has some helpful tips to keep in mind.
Of course, one of the most important ways to stay safe while biking is to wear the right gear. Perhaps the most important piece of equipment bikers should use to protect themselves is a helmet, which can help prevent serious head injuries in the event of a fall or crash. In addition to helmets, wearing bright clothing and keeping a light on your bicycle for nighttime rides is important for keeping yourself visible to drivers.
The way you ride can also help keep you safe. Ride with traffic on the right side of the road and always look carefully at intersections. Drivers are not always as good at noticing bikers as they should be, so taking a second look — even if you have the right of way — can help keep you safe.
Finally, bike maintenance is an important way to prevent unnecessary accidents. Checking every once in a while to make sure your tires are properly inflated and that your bicycle is in good condition can help ensure a safe ride.
Although these are just a few of the many ways bicyclists in Minneapolis can stay safe on the road this spring, we hope they were helpful reminders to you. Unfortunately, no matter how safe bicyclists are, inattentive or negligent drivers can still cause accidents. If you are ever involved in an accident with a driver, it is important to speak with an attorney who can protect your rights and help you seek any compensation you may be entitled to.
Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, “Bicycle safety tips,” Accessed March 19, 2015