Roseville Bike Safety Lane Use
More Roseville bike safety lanes have been added over the years as people are discovering that bicycles can save money commuting to and from work. Bicycling is great exercise that allows us to get around town easily and in a fun and healthy way. However, riding a bicycle also comes with responsibilities designed to keep cyclists safe on our city’s roads. Knowing the rules can make bicycle riding safer and help avoid injuries, which are often serious and disabling.
Use of Bike Lanes
California riders are required to use bike lanes whenever available. Since only 4 percent of all bicycle accident fatalities occur in a bike lane, they provide a much safer choice for us to consider. However, there are certain instances when riding in a Roseville bike safety lane a cyclist will have to go outside of the designated area. These exceptions include:
- When turning left
- To avoid a road hazard such as someone who is opening a car door or when there is debris such as broken glass or heaved pavement in the way
- Passing a vehicle that is parked in the bike lane
- When vehicle traffic is traveling at the same speed
Activating Loop Detectors
Intersections can be dangerous places for motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians and bicycle riders. Some of the traffic lights in Roseville are equipped with loop detectors as a measure to increase safety for cyclists. Symbols appear at these intersections so that cyclists can activate the signal, or they appear as embedded sensors in the road that are tripped when the rider passes over them. If the signal does not activate, it’s a good idea to either dismount and walk the bike, or wait for a car to come up and trip it. Try to avoid streets that do not have lights or designated crosswalks whenever possible to decrease your risk of being in an accident.
What to Do When Roseville Bike Safety Lanes Are Not Available
Unfortunately, Roseville bike safety lanes are not available everywhere in the city, and there are times when a rider is forced to ride with the traffic. Good sense says that they should stay in the right-hand lane where traffic is moving at a slower pace.
- Bicyclists can exit a Roseville bike safety lane and ride in a traffic lane if motorists are going at the same speed
- They can enter a traffic lane when making a left turn or passing
- When they cannot share a lane because it is narrow
- To avoid areas with turns such as driveways and at intersections
Watch YouTube Video ~ NHTSA’s Bike Safety, Bike Smart. The video discusses important bicycle riding tips. It includes how brain injuries are common and by wearing a helmet we can reduce the risk of brain injuries dramatically. It also discusses the rules of the road.
Personal Safety
Although those under the age of 18 are legally required to wear a helmet for Roseville bike safety, it’s a good idea for adults also. A helmet offers protection to the face, neck, and head and can help avoid a traumatic brain injury if the rider is in a collision. Other good suggestions include:
- Performing regular bike maintenance can avoid problems such as malfunctioning brakes.
- Wearing bright colored clothing that will be more visible to motorists is a great idea.
- Ensure your bike is equipped with the legally required lights and reflectors.
- Don’t impair your ability to hear surrounding traffic by wearing earbuds or headphones.
- Obeying traffic laws and using hand signals when needed is legally required.
Roseville Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Roseville personal injury lawyer. Even though most bicycle riders are cautious, they may still be involved in a collision with a negligent motorist, leaving the cyclist with severe injuries. If you or someone you care about has been injured because of negligence, give me a call for my free and friendly advice at (916) 921-6400. You can also reach me at (800) 404-5400 or through my contact page at AutoAccident.com, our website.
As a member of Million Dollar Forum, I belong to a group of trial lawyers who have all won in excess of $1 million for a client through a settlement or verdict.
You can find out more information about my law practice by reading client reviews and looking over our prior cases at the following links:
Since 1982, I’ve worked as a Roseville personal injury lawyer, representing its citizens and other Northern Californians in obtaining fair compensation in all kinds of car accidents, wrongful deaths, and brain injuries, among other types of trauma.
Photo Attribution: Depositphotos_52287271_l-2015
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