Given our beautiful weather, Floridians have always enjoyed bike riding – and up until 2022, the addition of bicycle lanes in many areas further encouraged thousands of area residents to run errands on bikes instead of getting in their cars. But this year, gas prices have provided an even stronger incentive to leave the vehicle at home and start pedaling. Of course, Sarasota and Manatee roads are also known for being quite busy. So if you are considering taking up bike riding for exercise and relief from gas prices, be sure you understand the safety rules of the road.
- Make sure they see you: Installing lights on your bicycle is a great way to be noticed day or night, and strobe varieties do better than conventional reflectors. Wear bright-colored clothing or even an orange safety vest, and add reflective tape to clothing and shoes for dusk and nighttime rides. Some riders even add a large flag to the back of the bike. With all that being said, as soon as you are as highly visible as possible – ride as if no one can see you. That is, make sure you ride defensively and don’t count on the observance skills of drivers. Motorists are looking for large cars, not skinny bikes. Be sure to check several times before entering intersections, don’t assume a turning vehicle actually saw you – and only take the right of way if you are sure they noticed your presence.
- Outfit yourself with essential safety gear: Be as diligent with your own helmet use as you are with your children – but that’s just a start. Helmets protect your head should you get thrown from your bike, but other gear is also essential. Sunglasses or safety glasses protect your eyes from dust, debris, wind, and pebbles, while gloves protect against road rash should you fall. An often overlooked safety precaution is having plenty of water – bikers can quickly become dehydrated when cycling. Of course, your cell phone is a must-have, so you can call for help in the event of an injury or a bike malfunction. Finally, test your brakes and tires before heading onto the roads.
- Be a stickler for the rules: This is no time to be a rebel – bikers should follow all applicable laws and not do anything unexpected. This means stopping for red lights and stop signs and observing all local laws. Also, be sure to use hand signals to indicate turns, ride with (not against) traffic and utilize available bike lanes.
- Do your research and plan your route: When you are on a bike, you’ll want to think about the traffic patterns, road conditions, and traffic speed. Bicyclists may feel more comfortable taking side streets and back roads, although, from a safety perspective, you should always be on a well-lit, well-traveled route. If a bike path is available, that is the best option – but be sure to share the path with any pedestrians and dogs safely.
- Select the right bike for you: These days, the options for bike riders include e-bikes, and some people may be more comfortable having some assistance should they get too hot or tired. Tentative riders may want to opt for wider tires with deeper treads for a more stable ride over sand, gravel, or dirt. Drop handlebars and thin road tires are more appropriate if your route is mainly smooth pavement over a long distance.
In conclusion, remember that while sharing the road is legal, some motorists may not be paying attention to your presence – so stay aware of your surroundings and safe.
If you drive a vehicle around the Sarasota area, you must be aware of the bicyclists, pedestrians, and many other drivers on the road. Check your insurance policy annually to ensure you have all the coverage you need to reflect your current driving habits.
Anderson and Associates Insurance Group provides personalized service and insurance coverage options to Florida residents.
