We always joke with one another how Minnesota weather can be unpredictable any time of year, but especially in spring where thunderstorms, cloud bursts and sudden downpours can catch you by surprise. This can be annoying when you are caught in traffic in your car and its raining cats and dogs, but it can be extremely dangerous for cyclists. Slippery road conditions and loss of visibility can increase crashes, putting cyclists like us at risk.
If you are hurt in a bike accident, the attorneys at Brazil Sweeney Law Group can help no matter where your crash happened or what the riding conditions were like at the time. As avid cyclists, we will fight fiercely for your rights, but we’d also like to help reduce the number of bike crashes that happen. The best way to do that is to help you be prepared.
Tips for Biking in the Rain
Safe spring cycling includes knowing what to do if you are caught in the rain. You’ll want to make sure you can be seen, have the proper gear and know how to adjust your riding style to help keep you safe while biking in wet conditions.
Biking Tip #1: Increase Your Visibility
Making sure drivers can see you is one of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe when biking along or across roads, especially in the rain. Make sure you can be seen by:
- Wearing bright, reflective clothing and accessories like bands, pannier covers, and helmet covers to increase visibility without adding and extra layer of clothing.I am a big fan of bright colors – red, neon green, bright yellow, or a flashy pink!
- Lighting up your bike with at least one white light in front and one red (preferably a blinking one) on the back will help you stand out. I particularly like to have the new lights that you can get for your helmet that are rear facing, and then a strobe or blinking light on the front.
Biking Tip #2: Gear Up for Safety & Comfort
Stay safe and comfortable with waterproof gear in case you get caught in the rain. From your head to your toes, here’s a few items you may want to keep you and your stuff dry:
- Waterproof jacket will keep your upper body dry and protected from road spray.
- Waterproof gloves will keep your hands from getting cold and numb which can make shifting gears and braking more difficult.
- Helmet with a visor will not only protect you in the event of an accient but will help keep the rain out of your eyes so you can better see where you are going.
- Overshoes will help to keep your feet warm and dry.
- Mudguards or fenders can deflect the water and mud kicked up by your own tires to keep you clean and dry.
- Waterproof bag cover will protect your belongings from getting soaked if you get caught in the rain
- Waterproof saddle cover can keep your seat dry if you have to leave your bike out and a shower pops up.
Biking Tip #3: Adjust Your Riding Style
Possibly even more important than what you wear in the rain is how you ride. When roads are wet and visibility is reduced due to rain, you’ll want to adjust your riding style for a safer trip by:
- Reducing your speed. You’ll want to slow down and give yourself more time to stop because your brakes will be less effective in wet conditions.
- Looking ahead and anticipating the need for braking because sudden stops on wet surfaces can cause you to wipe out.
- Watching for road hazards like metal services, painted markings and oil slicks which can be slippery when wet.
- Avoiding standing water which could be hiding hazards as well as making for slippery riding conditions.
- Letting a little air out of your tires can give you a bit more grip on wet and slippery roads.
Biking Tip #4: Check Your Bike After a Wet Ride
A wet bicycle ride can leave your bike needing a little extra attention. Make sure it’s ready for your next ride after a ride in the rain by:
- Cleaning any grit or debris that was left behind by wet and muddy roads or trails.
- Check your breaks to ensure they are working properly after a wet ride.
- Inflate your tires to make sure they are at the right pressure, especially if you lowered them to get a better grip on wet surfaces.
- Lubricate your bike chain with a bike-specific chain lube after cleaning and wiping the chain dry.
What to do if you are hurt in a bike accident?
With more cyclists taking to the roads, bike lanes and trails in the Twin Cities as the weather warms, spring is a prime time for crashes involving cyclists. If you are involved in a crash, you should hire an injury attorney who understands the unique issues you face like we do at Brazil Sweeney Law Group. We’ll advocate for you, protect your rights and help you navigate the insurance and legal mazes to get you the compensation you deserve. Reach out today for a free, no-obligation case review. There’s no fee unless we win.