How pedestrians can avoid collisions with cyclists

It is the perfect weather to get out and get some air. You and millions of others have this same thought running through their head. You might be considering walking when others are dusting off their bikes. Walking alongside cyclists, however, could spell danger for you.

A thin-framed bike may not seem intimidating at first but an absent-minded cyclist colliding at fast speeds can cause you serious injuries. Bicycle collisions can be as serious as car, bus, or motorcycle collisions. 

Here is how you can stay safe around cyclists:

Stick to sidewalks whenever possible

Using sidewalks whenever possible immediately provides you with safety. You may come to realize when going for walks that not every street has a sidewalk. This means you are not only sharing the road with cars but sharing the side of the road with bikes. Hundreds of pedestrians are fatally injured without access to roads.

Not every cyclist finds riding on the road the safest and can hug the side where you might be. If a cyclist fails to announce their approach or does not give pedestrians a wide berth then they might suddenly collide with you. (Plus, even sidewalks may not be totally safe, if a cyclist decides to use them.)

Listen for cyclists nearby

Cyclists should know they have a responsibility to announce when they are coming around a pedestrian. This may be from the sound of a bell or a shout from behind. 

Not all cyclists know to signify their presence and that can cause serious injuries. You can listen to the sound of a bike’s wheels approaching to reduce the chance of collision. Keeping one ear free from headphones can help you hear a cyclist early.

You need to protect yourself as much as you can, but cyclists have a duty of their own to be attentive to their surroundings with you included. If you have been in an accident with a negligent cyclist then you may need experienced help to recover your medical costs and other losses.