Bicycling accidents can cause very serious injuries. Cyclists hit by vehicles often sustain head, spine and brain injuries. Healing from these injuries can be difficult—both emotionally and physically—not to mention expensive.
Our Sault Ste. Marie law firm recently discussed legal rights of cyclists claiming personal injury compensation. In today’s article, we’ll discuss winter cycling safety tips to avoid accidents and reduce the risk of severe injuries.
Tips to Prevent Winter Cycling Accidents
Cycling in the winter—especially in Northern Ontario—can be dangerous. Winter hits hard in Sault Ste. Marie, with lots of snow and ice, less daylight, and blustery weather that reduces visibility. There is a risk of serious injury every time you cycle, but there are ways to reduce the odds of a bike accident. Here are some tips to prepare you for a safer ride in the winter months.
Only ride a properly outfitted and maintained bike
Not all bikes can handle winter conditions. Choose a bike with a sturdy frame, full fenders to protect you from splashes, and weather appropriate tires (e.g., fat tires, studded tires). Before winter arrives, tune up your bike. Ensure the brakes and lights are working well. Reduce tire pressure for better traction.
Then, keep your bike well-maintained through the winter. Clear snow, ice, and road spray from lights and reflectors. Wipe down your bike’s chain each time you ride during the winter to prevent rust and corrosion from road salt. Apply lubricant to the chain and other moving parts every week or so (depending on how often you ride and how rough the weather has been).
Wear the right clothing
Winter weather is notorious for its extremes. The best approach is to dress in layers, so you are warm enough but can easily open up or remove layers while cycling so you don’t overheat. Ensure that your extremities are covered, especially your hands. If your hands freeze up, it will reduce your grip and reaction time, making braking and steering less responsive when hazards arise.
Don’t forget your bike helmet
Sure, it’s cold out. But wearing a hat, hoodie, or balaclava is no excuse. You should still wear head protection. A bike helmet won’t prevent a crash, but it will reduce the risk of serious injury or death if you do crash. Failure to wear a bicycle helmet can also impact your personal injury claim, reducing the compensation you would otherwise be entitled to receive.
Address visibility challenges
There is much less daylight in the winter. Visibility can be further reduced by snowfall, blowing snow, and blizzard conditions. Ensure your bike is equipped with sufficiently bright lights so other road users can see you. Wear high-contrast clothing and/or reflective clothing so you are more easily seen by drivers.
By that same token, you need to make sure you can see well. You may need sunglasses or a visor on bright days. You may need glasses or goggles to protect your eyes from wind, snow, and debris. If you wear a hat or hood, make sure it doesn’t block your peripheral vision.
Failure to ensure you can see properly and that you can be seen by others may lead to allegations of contributory negligence against you, which can seriously hurt your personal injury claim. Reach out to a Sault Ste. Marie bicycle accident lawyer at Feifel Gualazzi for advice if the driver says you share responsibility for the accident or the injuries you suffered. We can help push back against allegations of shared fault or contributory negligence.
Plan ahead
Check the weather before you head out. If conditions are poor or a storm is expected, consider staying home or using an alternative mode of transportation. Check road conditions on your route if possible to see if they’ve been cleared of snow and ice. Avoid side streets that haven’t been ploughed or sanded/salted. If possible, use dedicated bike lanes—but be cautious. Bike lanes often get snow ploughed into them, making them tricky to navigate and forcing you to ride closer to traffic.
Get Legal Advice from an Experienced Sault Ste. Marie Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Sault Ste. Marie law firm Feifel Gualazzi specializes in obtaining financial compensation for people who’ve been injured in motor vehicle accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a bike crash involving a motor vehicle, our team is here to help you navigate your personal injury lawsuit, Accident Benefits claim, and any insurance issues. We can help build a strong case and fight back against allegations of contributory negligence.
Our personal injury lawyers will help you explore legal options to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries, including claims for hit-and-run accidents and accidents caused by drivers without insurance. We serve clients in Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma District.
Want to know if you have a case? Don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Sault Ste. Marie bicycle accident lawyer.
FEIFEL GUALAZZI
629 Queen Street East,
Sault Ste. Marie, ON, P6A 2A6