With the increase in bicycle use comes an increase in injury to bicyclists due to accidents involving motorists. Cyclists need to be prepared for potential accidents. Common causes of bicycle accidents are drivers opening car doors into a bicycle’s path of travel, and cars turning left or right into cyclists. Both cyclists and motorists can avoid these accidents by being more alert, but in case a crash is unavoidable, there are a few things a cyclist needs to do.
If at all possible, the cyclist should photograph the car and bicycle where they ended up after the crash, before they are moved. He should also take pictures of his injuries, if they are visible. A mobile phone can serve as camera and for note-taking, as well as a resource to find assistance. An estimated 25% of online searches are conducted on mobile devices, and those devices can be very helpful during an accident.
While some people may think that they should exchange their insurance information with the driver of the vehicle, it is recommended that they leave that responsibility to the responding police officer. Emotions run high after accidents, and confronting the other people involved will only exacerbate the problem. If there were any witnesses to the accident, the cyclist may ask them for their contact information in addition to pointing them out to law enforcement.
Upon leaving the scene of the accident, everyone involved should seek immediate medical attention. While they may not feel that they are hurt, many injuries take some time to present symptoms. Adrenaline released during the crash can also mask quite a bit of pain, and some injuries can become complicated if left untreated.
Netherlands-based agency the Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) is working hard to make bicycling safer and prevent crashes. Their latest idea is a smart bike that warns its rider of impending accidents with vehicles and other obstacles.
With a camera system attached to the rear fender and radar attached to the handlebars, the bike is able to analyze the data it is provided and discern how much time is left before an accident happens. If the radar senses an obstacle in front of the bicycle, such as a car pulling out in traffic or opening its door, the handlebars will vibrate. If the camera determines that a vehicle or other bicyclist is too close behind the bike, the seat will vibrate. The bicycle also features a cradle for tablets that can provide additional warnings.
The target market of the smart bike is elderly and disabled cyclists, who may have poor sight or hearing that puts them at risk of injury or death. The bicycle runs on an electric motor, and currently weighs a whopping 55 pounds. With more development planned, the smart bicycle should reach the market in a few years.
Until the smart bike is readily available, cyclists and motorists should emphasize alertness and focus. Simply paying a little extra attention to their surroundings can help make the road safer for everyone.
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