Planning a Group Bicycle Ride? Don't Forget These Tips

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Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County are beautiful from the back of a bicycle. The county has miles of paved trails and rural roadways just waiting for cyclists to take advantage of them. But any time bikes share the road with motorists, there is a chance a bicycle accident will happen. Take these tips with you to reduce the risk on your next group bicycle ride.

Know Your Bicycle Group’s Skill Level


When you are getting friends together for a group bicycle ride, keep in mind that not everyone is ready for a century ride. Ask every rider about their preferred speed, distance, and elevation challenge. If a rider is unsure, suggest they track a few solo rides to get a gauge on their skill level before joining in with the group.

Plan Your Route Ahead of Time


If you don’t have a clear route or destination in mind when your group hits the road, your bicycle ride can easily turn into more than your riders bargained for. Take the time to map out a ride of the appropriate distance and send it to the riders in your bicycle group. Avoid high-traffic roads and limited-access freeways. If you will be using dedicated bicycle paths, make sure you know where to enter and exit to complete your loop. You can also download the route to your smartphone or ride-tracking device to keep your group bicycle ride on track.

Be Visible to Vehicles


Warn your cyclist group to dress in bright and reflective colors. Specialized biking gear often includes reflective materials that will glow under the light of a vehicle’s headlight. If you can’t afford gear, wear bright colors instead. If your ride will last past sunset, make sure every rider has a bright white headlight and a flashing red tail light so you will still be visible to drivers after dark.

Leave No One Behind


It can be tempting to ride ahead and enjoy the wind in your face. But if your biking group gets separated you could have a negative encounter with a vehicle. Stick close to the other riders. And pay special attention to anyone who is riding slower to make sure no one gets left behind.

Don’t Drink and Ride


Alcohol and bicycles are a bad combination. Riding while intoxicated greatly increases the risk of an accident. It is also illegal. Because alcohol affects your balance as well as your judgment, biking while under the influence can actually be more dangerous than driving a car.

The bicycle accident attorneys at Christensen Law hope your group bicycle ride is a huge success. But if someone does get injured, we are here to help. We can help you file insurance claims to get your medical expenses covered so you can get back on the road faster. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Christensen Law today for a free consultation.