As Central New York and the Southern Tier shake off the chill of winter, cyclists across the region are gearing up with excitement for the spring riding season. With the area’s picturesque landscapes coming to life, it’s the perfect time to hop on your bicycle and head into the great outdoors. 

Preparing your bike and having the right safety gear is essential in Central New York, where the springtime weather can change quickly. It’s also a good idea to review your responsibilities as a bicyclist to prevent collisions with vehicles or pedestrians.

Keep yourself safe this spring while you explore Central New York’s scenic roads and trails with the following tips.

Common Springtime Hazards

New York streets can be unpredictable, especially during the transition from winter to spring. Here are a few common hazards that cyclists should be aware of to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding season:

• Wet Roads: Spring frequently brings rain showers that can create slippery road conditions. Cyclists should exercise caution when riding on wet surfaces, reduce their speed, and increase their stopping distances to ensure safety.

• Sudden Weather Changes: In spring, the weather can change rapidly. Check the weather forecast before heading out for a ride and be prepared for unexpected rain showers or temperature drops by wearing appropriate clothing.

• Potholes: Winter weather can take a toll on road surfaces, leaving behind potholes and uneven pavement. Cyclists should monitor the road to avoid these hazards and navigate them safely.

• Increased Traffic: With warmer weather, more people and vehicles are on the road. This can lead to congested streets and a higher risk of accidents. Cyclists must follow traffic rules to avoid collisions. Statute 1234(a) states that bicyclists must use a bike lane where available and must ride with, not against, traffic.

Bike Preparation

Before embarking on your springtime cycling adventures, ensure your bicycle is in good condition. Do the following before your first springtime ride:

• Tire Inspection: Check your bike’s tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended PSI per the manufacturer’s instructions. Inspect the tires for any wear or damage and replace them if necessary.

• Brake Check: Test your brakes to ensure they are functioning correctly. Check that the brake pads are not worn down and replace them if needed.

• Chain Lubrication: Lubricate your bike’s chain to ensure smooth gear shifting and efficient pedaling. Clean off any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.

• Lights and Reflectors: Ensure that your bike lights (front and rear) are working correctly and that your reflectors are clean and visible. New York law requires headlights (500 feet visibility) and taillights (300 feet visibility) when riding 30 minutes after sunset or before sunrise.

• Inspect Frame and Components: Ensure your bicycle’s frame and various components are free from cracks, unsecured bolts, or any damage indicators.  Address any issues promptly to prevent accidents.

Safety Gear

Every year, over 1,000 cyclists die and over 130,000 are injured in crashes in the U.S. Wearing the following safety gear is essential to lower your risk of injury:

• Helmet: A properly fitted helmet can save your life in an accident. Always wear one when riding and replace it if it has been involved in a crash or shows signs of wear and tear. New York requires anyone under 14 to wear a helmet when bicycling, while Onondaga County requires them for riders between 1 and 18.

• Reflective Clothing: Wear brightly colored or reflective clothing to increase your visibility to motorists, especially during low-light conditions.

• Gloves: Cycling gloves provide better grip and protection in case of a fall. They also help reduce hand fatigue on longer rides.

• Eye Protection: Consider wearing sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun’s rays and protect them from debris and insects.

Liability and Insurance Considerations

Even when you’ve done everything to stay safe, accidents can happen. In the unfortunate event of a bicycle accident, it’s important to have a good understanding of liability and insurance. Here are some things for cyclists to keep in mind when heading out in the spring:

• Insurance Coverage: New York doesn’t mandate insurance for bicyclists; however, you can obtain insurance to help pay for your injuries if you’re involved in a crash. This can include personal injury protection insurance (PIP), which pays for medical costs and 80% of missed wages if you’re hurt in a crash, no matter who is at fault.

• Who Pays for an Accident: Generally, if you’re hurt in a crash with a vehicle, the at-fault party’s liability insurance will pay for damages that exceed PIP coverages. New York requires $25,000 for injury to one person and $10,000 for property damage.

• Liability for Bicycle Crashes: New York uses pure comparative fault when determining liability in personal injury accidents. This means both parties may be partially at fault for a crash, and the claimant’s damage award is reduced by their percentage of fault. These examples illustrate how liability might work in a bicycle accident:

• A cyclist runs a red light in Watertown and collides with a car legally crossing the intersection. If found 70% at fault for the accident, the cyclist’s compensation for injuries and damages would be reduced by 70%, reflecting their higher degree of fault.

• In Syracuse, a driver makes a sudden right turn without signaling, hitting a cyclist in the bike lane. If the investigation determines the driver is 80% at fault but the cyclist was not using lights at dusk, making them 20% at fault, the cyclist’s damages award would be reduced by their 20% share of fault.

If you’re hurt in a bicycle accident, our Syracuse bike accident attorneys at Catalano Law can review your case to determine who was at fault and help you understand your compensation options.

Get Experienced Legal Counsel with Catalano Law

With the arrival of spring, more bicyclists are hitting the roadways to enjoy the pleasant weather. If you suffer an injury in a bicycle accident, reach out to a personal injury lawyer to ensure your rights are protected.

Trust Catalano Law for legal representation. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation consultation.