Staying Safe on the Roads in Bike-Friendly Madison, WI

Madison, WI is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the Midwest. The city offers a bike-sharing program, is continually investing in new bike trails, and promotes commuting by bike. Unfortunately, increased bike riding equates to an increase in automobile-bicycle accidents and bike accident injuries.

Bike accident injuries are especially concerning because bicyclists are completely exposed and, other than a bike helmet, are entirely unprotected. Riders are almost always thrown from their bicycle upon impact causing severe and catastrophic injuries and even death in some cases.

With warmer weather on the way, now is the perfect time to review safe biking tips.

Staying Safe When Biking in Madison, WI

1. Dress for Visibility. Help drivers see you by dressing in high-visibility clothing. Reflective strips provide added visibility on dark days or early morning or evening commutes. Add lights and reflectors to the bike for additional protection.
2. Avoid Distractions. Remaining aware of your surroundings to prevent accidents from occurring in the first place. Don’t get distracted by your phone and avoid using earbuds or listening to music.
3. Plan Your Route. Choose your route ahead of time and focus on routes that provide added protection, such as dedicated bike routes or routes with less vehicle traffic and lower vehicle speeds.
4. Give Way. Part of the reason we advise keeping your ears free of earbuds is so that you can hear cars coming up behind you. If you hear a vehicle that seems to be driving too fast, accelerating, or has squealing brakes, you can pull off to the side of the road until it has passed.
5. Obey the Rules of the Road. Bicycle riders must follow the traffic rules of the road throughout Wisconsin. This means riding with the flow of traffic, stopping at stop signs, signaling turns, and yielding the right-of-way as appropriate.

Compensation for Bike Accident Injuries is Possible

Biking is great exercise and a very effective mode of transportation in Madison, WI, but it does require extra vigilance from bicyclists and drivers alike. When bike accident injuries occur due to negligence or reckless driving by a vehicle operator, the injured bicyclist may be eligible for financial compensation to help pay for their medical costs and other losses.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact the personal injury team at Eisenberg Law Offices to discuss your situation. We offer free consultations to evaluate your case and determine if you are entitled to damages.

Call Eisenberg Law Offices at 608-256-8356 or email info@eisenberglaw.org to arrange your free consultation.