SAFETY
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents like Craig's are far too common, especially in big cities like New York. Everyone-- drivers and cyclists-- PLEASE be careful out there. This is literally a matter of life or death, especially for bicyclists who don't have the luxury of seat belts, airbags, and a giant metal frame surrounding them. Below are some tips to help you stay alert, stay safe, and most importantly, stay alive.
Drivers:
- Please realize that there are bicyclists on the road, too. We are sometimes hard to see, and have much less protection in a crash than you do.
- Please take a few seconds when approaching a turn to look quickly and check your mirrors to make sure that you're not cutting off someone in the bike lane. Making it to your destination a few seconds early is definitely not worth someone like Craig never making it to his.
- Bicycles approaching an intersection have the same right-of-way protection as an approaching car... please do not turn until you're absolutely sure that nothing-- car or bicycle-- is coming your way.
- When parking on a street, please check your sideview mirror to make sure no bicyclists are approaching before you open your door. Dooring is a common cause of cycling accidents, and is very dangerous for cyclists who are forced to either swerve suddenly into traffic or slam into a sharp metal door.
- Always wear a helmet!!! Unfortunately, this wouldn't have made a difference in Craig's case, but it very well might in yours.
- Never assume that cars/trucks see you, especially at night. You are difficult to see, so be extremely careful when crossing intersections and making turns.
- Put a blinking white light on the front of your bike and a blinking red light on the back of your bike (this is probably required by law, actually). Use them. If possible, put small bits of reflective tape on your bike frame, backpack/bag, and helmet. The more visible you are, the safer you are.
- Put a loud bell on your handlebars. Don't be afraid to use it to alert pedestrians to your presence. Using a bell will make you a lot less likely to have to swerve into traffic to avoid someone stepping off the curb without looking.
- Watch out for car doors. If possible, ride far enough away from parked cars (3-4 feet or so) so you won't slam into a suddenly-opened door.