National Ride to Work Day is on June 19, 2023. This day serves as an opportunity for commuters to mix up their mode of transportation. Instead of driving your car, Reno Ride to Work Day encourages commuters to take their motorcycle, bicycle, or scooters to work. Not only is this day a celebration of sustainable transportation, but also an opportunity to prioritize safety. Here at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys, our Reno personal injury lawyer offers some benefits and safety tips for Ride to Work Day as well as what to do if you are in an accident.
Benefits of National Ride to Work Day
It’s important to recognize that National Ride to Work Day is not intended to dismiss the value of cars or public transportation, but rather to promote a well-rounded transportation system that includes various options. Using an alternative form of transportation has many benefits for both your health and the environment, such as:
- Reduced traffic congestion: the use of motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters helps to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. This reduces the amount of traffic congestion and improves commute times.
- Cost effective: while alternative forms of transportation aren’t free, the cost of using them is much lower than driving a car. Overall, they have lower upfront costs, lower maintenance expenses, and reduced fuel costs.
- Helps limit pollution: motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters have lower carbon emissions compared to cars, contributing to reduced air pollution and a smaller carbon footprint
- Cardiovascular health: riding motorcycles, bicycles, and scooters requires physical activity. Choosing these modes of transportation can help improve overall fitness and health.
- Accessibility: as these forms of transportation are much smaller than cars, making it easier to find parking in urban areas and places with limited parking.
- Community building and socialization: National Ride To Work Day is a great way to socialize and meet new people with similar interests.
Reno Ride to Work Day Safety Tips
Once riders hit the road on Reno Ride to Work Day, following the safety tips below can help set a good example for other riders as well as decrease the risk of accidents.
- Wear the proper protective gear: always wear a properly fitted helmet that meets safety standards. Additionally, gloves, goggles, elbow and knee pads, and reflective clothing can further help keep you safe in the event of an accident.
- Follow traffic laws: obey traffic laws, signals, and signs, just like anyone else on the road. If you’re on a bicycle or a scooter, ride in the same direction as traffic, use designated bike lanes when available, and signal your intentions with clear hand signals.
- Stay alert: avoid distracted driving by maintaining focus and staying alert while riding. Be aware of your surroundings and check for potential hazards on the road.
- Be mindful of intersections: approach intersections with caution as they can be high-risk areas for those using alternative means of transportation. Adhere to traffic signals and watch for turning vehicles.
- Perform regular maintenance: regularly inspect and maintain your vehicle to ensure it is in good working condition. Check your tires for proper inflation and tread wear, test your brakes, and ensure your gears are functioning smoothly.
- Be mindful of the weather: the weather can be unpredictable in Nevada during the summer monsoon season. Dangerous flash floods are possible. If you’re out riding and come across inclement weather or flooded areas, pull off the road, find another route, or wait until the storm passes.
- Educate yourself: if you’re a new rider, consider seeking additional training like group rides or safety courses.
Steps to Take If You Are In an Accident
Even if you follow traffic laws and safety tips, accidents are still possible. If you’re in an accident on Reno Ride To Work Day, here are a few steps to take:
- Ensure your safety: make sure you and anyone involved in the accident are safe. Move out of traffic, if possible, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries and seek medical attention: some injuries like burns are apparent. Even if you don’t think you are injured, it is still vital to seek medical attention. Some injuries, like whiplash, might not be apparent. Medical records can also be used as evidence in a personal injury claim.
- Gather additional evidence: take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, damage to all vehicles involved for later use in your claim.
- Check for witnesses: if there are any witnesses, gather their contact information in case they need to give a statement as a part of your claim.
- Contact a personal injury attorney: a lawyer can review your legal rights after an accident and seek damages for your injuries.
Injured on Reno Ride to Work Day? Contact Lerner & Rowe
On Reno Ride to Work Day, prioritizing safety while cycling is crucial for a successful and enjoyable experience. Our Reno personal injury lawyer at Lerner and Rowe injury Attorneys hopes everyone who participates enjoys the ride. If you are injured in an accident, our attorney can help you receive compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, and more.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at 775-644-4444, via LiveChat or contact form. Consultations are free and we do not charge any legal fees until money has been recovered on your behalf. Our legal team gets results. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.