Sarasota Personal Injury Lawyer

Cycling is a great way to keep fit, a cheap form of transport and a great hobby. Most of us remember riding to school and many of us still send our kids off to school on a bike. Like most things though cycling does have its risks, especially in traffic. Being aware of those risks for yourself and your children is very important.

Off –road and extreme cycling also carries a high degree of risk. Most people who become involved in cycling as sport are well aware of those risks though, in fact they are part of the attraction. You are responsible for your own safety. If you are thinking of getting into any kind of cycling sport don’t skimp on safety equipment. Get a good bike, keep it well maintained and wear the appropriate safety gear.

Children and teenagers are perhaps most at risk cycling on the road. There is certainly no doubt that children can ride, but it is up to parents to make sure they know the risks on the road, can avoid them if at all possible and are able to react.

In most countries it is now illegal to ride a bicycle without a helmet. Head injuries have in the past posed the greatest risk to cyclists and wearing a helmet is the number one protection in safety gear. Many parents though will buy a second-hand or ill-fitting helmet for their kids. Second hand is not a good idea unless you can be absolutely sure that the helmet has not been in a previous fall. If it has it may have a slight crack or defect, effectively rendering it useless for any future safety. If you are buying a bike or helmet as a gift, don’t make the helmet a secret. It is vital that the helmet fits snugly on the head. Obviously it will need to be replaced as your child grows too. Never ever let you child, or yourself wear a helmet without the strap done up. The risk of personal injury is just too great.

There are courses available for kids (and adults) to teach good riding skills. Many schools offer these courses or you may have to go hunting online, in the local paper or in the phone book to find one. A few are even free! These courses are great for teaching kids rules of the road for cyclists, how to look for possible hazards, and how to get out of tricky situations fast. It is well worth paying out a few dollars to know your kid can ride defensively and could save their life. There are few things more horrifying than a call from the hospital or police to say your child is injured or dead.

Cyclists of all ages need to be sure they are visible on the road too. If a motorist can see you there is much less likelihood of accidents occurring. Lights and reflectors are a must. Brightly colored clothing helps too. Good footwear will help prevent accidental slips and falls. Keep your cycle in good working condition to avoid any sudden failures.
Stay seen, stay safe, and enjoy the benefits that cycling can bring.

Additional Website: Searcy, Denney, Scarola, Barnhart, & Shipley. Tallahassee, Florida Personal Injury Attorneys.