Know the Kansas Bike Safety Rules for You and Your Kids

Palmer Law encourages everyone to be extra cautious when on our Kansas roads. Cyclists and pedestrians are on the rise so drivers need to be extra diligent sharing the roads.  As a cyclist, it is your responsibility to be alert and knowledgeable about your rights on the road which includes the fact that all bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorist. The Kansas Department of Transportation publishes a current bike safety guide and rules here. Additionally, pedestrians need to be alert when on city streets and to maintain safe distances from moving vehicles.

If the worst case scenario occurs and you, or someone you know, has been injured on the road – particularly in a truck accident, consulting a Lawrence truck accident lawyer can be a crucial step. Call the trusted personal injury law firm of Palmer Law for such expertise. We always offer free case consultations!

Here are some basic cycling safety tips:Wear a helmet.

Be seen.  Dress in fluorescents —wear bright colors and reflective clothing, especially in the early morning, late at night or on particularly cloudy days.

Be alert. Never ride with headphones or era buds.

Carry a patch kit at all times. Learning to patch up your own flat tire can prevent you from being stranded in an unsafe or remote location.

Carry a cell phone and ID. 

Dump the old hand signals—use ones that drivers understand. Signal a left turn or lane change by holding your left arm out to the left side of your body; signal a right turn by holding your right arm out to the right side of your body.

Ride with traffic, never against it. Riding against traffic makes it virtually impossible to make a right turn.

Here are some basic pedestrian safety tips:

Obey signs and signals while following the rules of the road.

Walk on sidewalks when they are available. If there are no sidewalks, you want to walk facing upcoming traffic while trying to stay off the road if possible.

Be alert at all times. Stay off of electronics to increase your overall awareness.

Cross streets at designated crosswalks or intersections. Watch all traffic signals before crossing.