Riding a bike in San Francisco the rules, risks and rewards
San Francisco is one of the top 5 safest places to ride a bicycle in the United States. This does not mean that there are no risks.
Even if they are crossing in front of a bike lane. We must yield to anyone walking because they are most vulnerable.
We must keep the lane free for anyone needing to cross the street
This can make a trip take much longer since lights are rarely timed for bicycles and stopping and starting take longer for bicyclists.
The sidewalk is not for riding. It is for pedestrians so leaving this area for them to move around safely is the priority
it is distracting and stressful for drivers, pedestrians and other bikes when riding in the wrong direction.
Sometimes the bike lane is blocked or the lane is very small. You can ride in the street and even take the lane and ride directly in the lane for safety. Don't put your life and body at risk to be polite to drivers. They can go around or wait.
You need to be seen. A light even during the day is will make sure you are seen to drivers and other bikers. Also, wearing reflective clothing on arms, legs or having bags that can be seen can keep people aware of your presence on the streets.
Many times people are let out of motor vehicles to get home. They may need to walk through the bike lane. Give them room.
Most people turning right are not going to see you on the right hand side. Going to the left will keep you safe and most people exit cars on the right as well so the dreaded opening the door when you are driving by will happen a lot less.
Getting your case on file is necessary to protect yourself. If anything arises after the accident, you have it on record to pull up and use for proof.
If you say you don't have injuries and later on you find out that you are injured, your statement may get you into trouble. If asked, say that you are not sure. Also, do not apologize. It implies that you were at fault.
Sometimes finding people afterward can be hard. Make sure you have everyone's information in case you need it.
Take pictures of the area, the bike, injuries and damage.
Even when wearing a helmet, hitting your head can cause brain bruising, scrapes, skull fractures and many other injuries
Whiplash, neck fractures, disc displacements, spinal cord injuries and even paralysis can happen from impact.
Concussions and closed head injuries can lead to memory loss, mood changes, cognitive issues, sleep disturbances, headaches, seizures, vomiting and long term bodily issues
Broken jaw, teeth, eye socket & vision damage, broken nose and road rash leading to permanent scars.
Skin, muscle, tendon, ligament tearing, broken legs, dislocated shoulders, broken hands and wrists, severe rib injuries, internal bleeding, spinal cord damage leading to paralysis and death.
Chiropractic can help you heal after an accident and recover. Even with a fracture, tear, or soft tissue damage, we can help the body heal and recover and have tools to help accelerate healing. Cold laser, Graston technique, Amino Neuro Frequency therapy can help you get better faster and get you back to your normal. Contact our Redwood City or San Fransisco Mission District Chiropracic office today!
References:
https://sfbike.org/resources/bicycle-law/rules-of-the-road/
https://www.dhclaw.com/library/common-crash-injuries-bicycle-riders-suffer.cfm#:~:text=Bicycle%20accidents%20can%20result%20in,tissue%20injuries%2C%20after%20a%20crash.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20378557
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