How to Ride to Work Safely

by Michael D. Ponce

Last Updated June 23, 2021 In Personal Injury

June 21 was National Ride to Work Day. For many Middle Tennesseans, riding to work isn’t something they do once a year—it’s something they do every Monday through Friday. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle or bicycle, you experience many perks from getting to and from work on two wheels.

Commuting on a bicycle means you get exercise and a nearly cost-free commute, minus the cost of your bike and nominal maintenance expenses. Commuting on a motorcycle is a little more expensive, but it’s usually a faster way of getting around town than on a bicycle. And of course, both have the benefit of being easy to park, which is a huge perk for people who work in downtown Nashville.

But whether you ride a bicycle or a motorcycle, you experience major drawbacks, too. The biggest drawback is your level of safety while getting to and from your workplace. Simply put, it’s much lower than the safety of the people around you in cars, trucks, and SUVs. Reducing your risks is all about following as many safety guidelines as possible, including:

• Wearing a helmet on both a bicycle and motorcycle, and full riding gear on a motorcycle.
• Assuming that drivers don’t see you and always riding cautiously and defensively.
• Following all rules of the road, including stopping at stop signs and red lights.
• Riding smoothly and predictably so that drivers can anticipate your movements.
• Leaving home early to give yourself plenty of time to get to the office.

At Ponce Law, we know the risks that people on two wheels face on Middle Tennessee’s roads. We help bicyclists and motorcyclists get maximum compensation after accidents that weren’t their fault, and we want to help you, too. Contact our Nashville personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation.