| With over 1200 bike accidents on the roads of | | | | 3. Be Visible at All Times: One of the most |
| Los Angeles each year, nearly four per day, | | | | common excuses people use in California when |
| the city is the most dangerous place for | | | | they hit a cyclist or a pedestrian is that |
| cyclists to ride in all of California. If you | | | | they didn't see them. Most drivers in Los |
| are planning to ride a bicycle in Los Angeles | | | | Angeles are watching for cars, trucks, and |
| then you don't simply need to understand the | | | | vans; not bicycles. Because of this you need |
| rules of the road, but you should also know | | | | to go beyond the call of duty and make |
| defensive biking tactics so you can avoid any | | | | yourself as visible as possible so you can |
| risks that may come your way. | | | | avoid a bike accident. Don't settle for the |
| | | | least bright light and a dimly reflective |
| Since Los Angeles is an extremely busy city, | | | | helmet; wear bright colors, lots of |
| people tend to be in a rush. If a driver sees | | | | reflective gear, and get the brightest lights |
| a rare break in traffic for an opportune left | | | | you can. |
| turn, they may not have their eye open for | | | | |
| the cyclist that is heading their way until | | | | 4. Use Quieter Roads: While the roads of Los |
| it is too late. By understanding your | | | | Angeles might seem busy at all hours of the |
| surroundings and preparing for the risks, you | | | | day, you should structure your schedule so |
| can decrease the possibility that you'll be | | | | you can bike in the safest conditions |
| involved in a bike accident. | | | | possible. Not only should you plan to avoid |
| | | | rush hour, but you should also find a route |
| Here are five tips for you to use so you can | | | | that isn't crowded. The fewer vehicles there |
| avoid bike accidents in a busy city such as | | | | are on the road, the fewer obstacles you have |
| Los Angeles, California: | | | | to worry about. |
| | | | |
| 1. Obey the Laws: Traffic laws in Los Angeles | | | | 5. Fix Your Bike: There's a popular saying |
| have been created for the sole purpose of | | | | that says "if it's not broken, don't fix it." |
| limiting accidents; regardless of whether you | | | | On the flip side, it's equally important to |
| are driving or cycling. Some cyclists feel as | | | | realize that "if it is broken, you should fix |
| though it is okay for them to ignore the | | | | it." In a busy city such as Los Angeles, the |
| rules of the road, but this only leads to | | | | last thing you will want to deal with while |
| unpredictable behavior. If other people on | | | | cycling is a problem with your bike. Make |
| the road cannot predict what you are going to | | | | sure you have good tread on your tires and |
| do, then you are at a much higher risk of | | | | inspect your bike often to ensure no damage |
| being involved in a bike accident than if you | | | | goes unnoticed and unrepaired. |
| followed the law. | | | | |
| | | | It might not always seem convenient to follow |
| 2. Stay Alert: Los Angeles, like any other | | | | these five steps, but it will always help you |
| city, has its fair share of bad drivers and | | | | stay safe and avoid potential bike accidents. |
| road hazards. You need to be prepared for | | | | By practicing defensive biking in Los Angeles |
| anything that might come your way: a car door | | | | you'll prevent yourself from getting in as |
| opening in your path, a vehicle turning your | | | | many dangerous situations as other cyclists |
| direction, somebody driving too closely, a | | | | may face. While there are no guarantees on |
| pedestrian stepping onto the road, or | | | | the roads of Los Angeles, these tips will |
| anything else that may happen. | | | | surely benefit you in a very real way. |
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