Safety Tips for the Kansas City Bicycle Rider

Keeping Kansas City Bikers Safe

We are committed to helping cyclists throughout the Kansas City area recover after they were injured because of the carelessness of a negligent driver. There are a few basic things that Kansas City area bikers can and need to do to make riding as safe as possible.

Wear a helmet.

This is a basic one. As noted in other articles Foster Wallace has written, helmets may reduce serious injuries anywhere from 60 to 85%. They prevent concussions and may save your life.

Signal your intentions.

Let drivers and other cyclists know whether you intend to go left or right by using signals.

Stop at Stop Signs.

Do not blow through stop signs without stopping and making sure you are safe to go.

Be seen.

Wear lights and bright gear that allow you to be seen by drivers. Always use a very bright blinking tail light.

Ride on the right side of the street.

Never ride against traffic.

Maintain your bike.

Make sure you have the chains clean and lubricated and periodically inspect the brake pads.

One person per bike.

Riding with unsecured passengers puts everyone at risk.

Call out before passing.

Make sure you call out to other cyclists or pedestrians to let them know you are passing. Sometimes people walking will be listening to music so you need to be extra careful passing someone too closely because even if you call out they may not hear you.

Do not listen to music.

You need to hear what is going on – please do not listen to music while riding your bike.

Carry a cell phone and ID.

If something bad happens to you your ID will help emergency responders.

Be alert.

Make sure you are always paying attention and not looking at the ground. You need to see what is coming up so you have time to react.

Do not hug the curb.

You need to give yourself a little space between yourself and the curb in case you see a large vehicle in your mirror approaching without moving over far enough to avoid you.

Choose wide and slow streets.

Ride on streets whose outside lane is wide so both a bike and a car can fit. Also navigate a city by going through neighborhoods where the speed limit is low so drivers will have more time to see you.