Bicycling is one of the safest and most efficient modes of transportation, exercise, and commuting. Nevertheless, accidents do occur sometimes; that’s how it is.
A good way to handle the situation is to be ready, either by carrying a small first-aid kit with you or knowing what to do and who to call for help.
You may be riding your bike in the city, training on the road, or a long journey when you are suddenly forced to apply extreme braking force and lose control of your bicycle.
Regardless of whether it’s a big accident or an accident involving multiple individuals, here are some fundamental principles to follow.
Here is an article that I have written about Bicycle Accidents: What Are The Most Common Factors?
6 Suggestions On What To Do In The Event Of A Bicycle Accident
Offer Or Request First Aid:
You’ll only get small cuts and scrapes most of the time, so you probably won’t need to call an ambulance.
However, before you put on a bandage and stop the bleeding, make sure the wound is clean and, if possible, sanitized with hygienic wet wipes or another antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
Also, please see a doctor or hospital if you have any concerns about your emotions, particularly if you have had a head injury.
Remove Yourself And Your Bicycle Off The Roadway:
If there are no significant injuries and you can walk independently, you should always remove yourself and your bicycle from traffic.
This guideline applies mostly to road accidents when ongoing traffic may cause more accidents involving oneself or others.
Don’t Rush; Make Sure You And Your Bicycle Are Safe:
Examine Yourself For Minor Abrasions Or Injuries:
- Search for cuts, abrasions, sprains, and even fractures.
- Even if your bike is in good condition, ensure that your arms and legs are not too much pain before leaving the scene.
- Call an ambulance if you are visibly wounded or uncertain about your health.
Examine Your Bike. Do Not Attempt To Ride It Until At Least The Following Have Been Verified:
- The frame and fork are devoid of bends and fractures.
- The wheels are aligned, rotate well, and have no missing spokes.
- Both the brakes and gears, called “derailleurs,” work well.
Keep Cool. Do Not Irritate Or Provoke Others:
Consider that if another individual is engaged in a bicycle accident, none of it was intentional. Your opponent is likely in the same state of shock as you. Therefore, it is advisable to maintain composure and avoid verbal disputes.
Result Of A Group Accident? Alert The Police:
Both parties must furnish the police with their statements for legal and insurance concerns. Before the police come, obtain vital information that you may need later, such as the contact information for the other party and any potential eyewitnesses, the car’s license plate number, etc.
Take photographs of injuries to yourself, the bicycle, the helmet, and your clothing. Write down what time the accident happened.
Immediately Seek A Copy Of The Police Report:
If the police do not come to the site, give a statement as soon as possible at a police station while the circumstances are still fresh in your memory.
Don’t offer or accept cash to resolve the matter on the spot. That will at least complicate matters for you both if you file a lawsuit or an insurance claim for damages or medical expenses.
What To Do After An Accident?
Take your bicycle to a competent bike shop to appraise the cost of repairs. It should be of tremendous aid in collecting payment from your insurance coverage or the other party. Also, if your helmet is broken (even slightly), you should get a new one.
Some Additional Considerations
Fill out your mobile phone’s ICE (in case of emergency) details. Personal information could be included, such as the person’s blood type and any likely allergies to medicines.
It is helpful information for paramedics if you cannot answer their queries. It is also advisable to provide an emergency contact’s phone number and address.
Carry a compact first aid kit with you when riding. A little resealable plastic bag containing a few band-aids, a wound dressing, individually packaged sterile wet wipes, and possibly a pair of latex gloves does not occupy much space in your pack or cycling jersey’s back pocket.
Sign up for a course on first aid. You never know when you or someone else might need your skills.
How To Safely Fall Off A Bike?
No of your level of cycling ability, a fall may occur when you least expect it. Unfortunately, there is no way to perfect falling from a bicycle, but all levels of cyclists should know the proper technique to limit the danger of serious damage.
Expect a few bumps and scratches along the road, but try to reduce the number of injuries to a minimum. When you’re just wearing shorts and a T-shirt, or a bib or jersey, you won’t have the protection necessary for a more comfortable landing.
How To Slip And Fall When Sliding?
As soon as the slide starts, you feel it, and when your bicycle is out of control, so do you. Therefore, avoiding braking is the wisest course of action, particularly in slippery circumstances. It permits the wheel to continue moving so that it may regain traction and halt your fall.
If you can’t get back in control of the slide, you’ll end up on your side and keep going down.
If you’re unable to rectify it and you’re falling, attempt to align your upper body with your bike’s slide direction. Remove your hands off the bars and use the back of your shoulder to absorb the hit. If you are moving quickly and able to, fall feet-first with your legs outstretched so they may act as a stop.
Turning Heels Over Head On The Bars
It is the sort of fall that strikes fear into the hearts of all cyclists. Then, finally, the front wheel of your bicycle collides with something substantial enough to halt it in its tracks. You feel the hit and realize that it won’t be long before you’re over the bars.
It will occur rapidly, so you must be prepared in advance and know just what to do.
Instead of your head or face, release the handlebars and raise one arm to absorb the first impact. The forearm should first contact the ground rather than the wrist if feasible.
Next, roll as tightly as possible with your chin tucked towards your chest and put your other arm over your head to protect it. Finally, roll your body over your shoulder when you feel the impact. The essential thing is to prevent severe head injuries by having another body component absorb most of the impact.
Consider a rag doll while falling and attempt to resemble one as much as possible. For example, consider a rag doll falling from your hands to the ground. It bounces, and the inside filling stays intact.
On the other hand, if a plastic doll falls to the floor, it will completely break up or fall apart.
The less tension you have in your muscles, the greater your ability to absorb force and the lower your risk of injury. Approach the fall with a rag doll mentality and attempt to go with the flow.
After the collision, you should be able to get up and dust yourself off with just a few scuffs and bruises to show for it. Following a mishap
Accidents Involving Clipless Pedals
“Instead, I strive to keep my feet clipped into the pedals, maintain a firm hold on the handlebars, and tuck my elbows into my torso. Concurrently, I bury my head between my shoulders and circle my shoulders to form a ball with my upper body.
My momentum will continue to propel my body forward, rolling me over the handlebars as I remain connected to my bicycle, assisting me in maintaining my bent posture. Instead of flying face-first, I’ll probably land on my shoulders and can roll with the fall to lose speed.
It is his view. I want to get rid of these cleats because I’d rather fall and injure my shoulder than ankle. I believe it is most vital to be able to confidently remove your cleats. You need to practice until it comes naturally to take your cycling shoes off the pedals.
Also, make sure to check out my post on How Many Accidents Are Caused By Bicycles?
