Bicycle Safety: Is Riding at Night Safe in Palm Beach?

Bicycling in Palm Beach will always be more dangerous at night, just as driving at night is more dangerous than driving during the daytime. Impaired vision, driving under the influence and drowsy driving all contribute to the number of bike accidents occurring in the evening. Since cyclists aren’t protected by metal cages, the accident is far more likely to be fatal.

A few statistics on Florida night-bicycling accidents:

• About 40% of the nation’s bicycle deaths occur between 6 p.m. and midnight.
• Bicycle fatalities occur more frequently in urban areas than rural ones. The risk climbs 30% higher in urbanized areas between 6-9 p.m.
• Florida is one of four states that account for the highest number of bicycle deaths nationwide (the others are California, New York and Texas.)
• Although only 3% of bicycle use takes place at night, nearly 60% of all fatal Florida bike accidents occur after twilight hours.

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Of course, it’s not only motorists that are to blame for night-cycling accidents. Many cyclists lack the proper attire, road protocol or increased awareness that is required to ride after dark.

For instance, here are just a few steps Florida cyclists can take to be safe when riding at night:

• Stay in view. After nightfall, a driver’s visibility is severely limited. Often a motorist cannot see past the range of his headlights, and the glare from another’s headlight may cause further distraction.
• Light it up. Reflector vests, patches, headlights and wheel reflectors are all must-haves for night cyclists. Make sure you are wearing enough reflectors to be seen from every side.
• Listen up! Never listen to headphones while biking, as you will be unable to hear vital traffic cues around you.
• Report drivers. If you are hit—or almost hit—by a driver while on your bike, report the incident to the police. Both cyclists and drivers are responsible for Florida cyclist safety.
• Stay off the main road. Drivers on the weekend are more likely to be intoxicated. Keep to suburban streets and quiet neighborhoods after the sun goes down.
• Be smart about the weather. If you must cycle in the rain, avoid flooded streets and take extra precaution to be seen. Since motorists’ vision will be extremely impaired in bad weather, it may be worth using a bus system or taxi that will carry your bike home with you instead of riding.

Regardless of the cause, bicycle accidents are often brutal, painful, and costly. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Port St Lucie bicycle accident, get advice from a trusted Palm Beach personal injury attorney by calling Fetterman & Associates today at (866)-865-1244