Why Are Bike Shares Safer Than Regular Biking?

YUMA, Arizona. According to Vox, no one in the U.S. has died in a
bike sharing accident. Given the prevalence of bike sharing in cities across
the United States, this fact is fascinating. Vox reports that 35 million bike
share trips have been taken since programs began. When you compare the 0 deaths
in bike sharing with the roughly 21 bike deaths per 100 million bike trips, one
has to wonder why bike sharing is safer than regular biking.

So, what makes bike sharing safer than regular biking? Researchers looked into it and
found that the design of bikes used for sharing are safer than typical bikes.
The bikes have sturdier tires and frames. While this makes the bike heavier, it
makes it more able to handle bumps in the road. The bike’s heaviness and lack
of gears also makes it harder to users to go fast. After all, speed is a
contributing factor in injury severity in accidents of all kinds. The U.S. Department of Transportation
report also found that bike sharing bikes tend to be painted bright colors and be equipped with proper
lighting, allowing them to be more visible to cars.

Bike riders who use bike shares may not be experienced riders. Experienced riders
may go faster and may take more risks, while individuals using bike shares may
be more cautious and conservative.

The location where the bike sharing stations are found also makes a difference.
Locations tend to be in areas where the traffic moves more slowly or where
there are already bike lanes present. In fact, in many bike share areas,
drivers are not permitted to exceed 30 miles per hour. Researchers have shown
that the number of pedestrian and bike death decreases when drivers move more
slowly.

Additionally, more bikes on the road may make for safer biking. Where bike sharing stations
are present, there may be more bikers on the road. There has been some initial
research to show that there may be safety in numbers when it comes to bikes
sharing the road with cars. Drivers may actually be more careful if they see
more bikers on the road.

While the report suggests that bike sharing may have lower injury rates, the report is
careful to say that riders using bike sharing services may not be protected, if
they don’t use a helmet.

So, what can we take away from the study about bike safety and injury prevention? For
one, get the right equipment for use on the road. Brighter color bikes, proper
lighting, and less might be more when riding in city traffic. Next, consider
your own choices when biking. Follow the rules of the road and inhabit a
beginner’s mind. Finally, think about where you are choosing to bike. Busier
roads will be dangerous. Either fight to have bike lanes put in by the city, or
limit your biking to safe areas of the city where there are bike lanes and
traffic calming methods in place.

Bike safety is everyone’s responsibility. Unfortunately, when a driver makes a
mistake, the person most likely to suffer is the bike rider. If you or a loved
one were hurt in a bike accident in Yuma,
Arizona, reach out to Schneider & Onofry, P.C. personal injury lawyers
near you. Our firm may be able to help you seek compensation for
your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Visit us at https://www.soarizonalaw.com/ to learn more.

Schneider
& Onofry, P.C.
207 W. 2nd St.
Yuma, AZ 85364

928-257-4887