Covid-19 has changed many of our habits and reconnected some with activities that they might have put aside due to work and every day life. Cycling is one of those activities that has picked up tremendously during this summer. Toronto city council has approved 25 kilometres of temporary bike lanes to accommodate the demand for cycling. Bike shops and bike sharing networks have seen a spike in sales and ridership.
This shift however, also puts more emphasis on bike safety and with more people using cycling as a mode of transportation, means potentially more accidents.
Here are some tips to keep you safe and informed!
Cycling Safety Tips:
- Wear a helmet – it’s a simple rule that can save your life
- Avoid busy roads especially during rush hour – this is the time that a lot of accidents tend to occur
- Ride defensively and use hand signals – just like when driving, try to anticipate actions of others
- Keep to the right side of the road – it is the safest and expected path for bike riding
- Wear bright clothing and add lights to your bike – according to CAA one-third of accidents happens at night, so you should take every precaution to be seen
- Be extra careful during bad weather conditions – if you have to ride during bad weather, ride slowly and cautiously
What to do if you get into an accident:
- Seek medical attention – even if you don’t think you were hurt badly, it is important to be checked by a medical professional to rule out anything serious
- Call the police even if there is a minor injury, as all accidents resulting in personal injury should be reported
- Try to document the accident and take pictures if you can
- Collect information such as driver’s license number, name, phone number and insurance details
- Make an insurance claim – all Ontario cyclists involved in car accidents have accident insurance benefits
If you have been involved in a cycling accident, you might be entitled to compensation. At Eshel Law we have experience and expertise when it comes to personal injury claims. We can simplify the process for you and advise you on next steps. We ensure you are legally protected and receive any compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us: www.eshellaw.ca
