Commuting by bike just got easier for Salt Lake City residents. At the end of September the city's much anticipated Canyon Sports Bicycle Transit Center finally opened. The goal of the public-private partnership is to promote alternative commuting. The center is located in the transit hub and offers everything a cyclist could desire, including secure bike storage, lockers, repairs, rentals and a shower.
The Salt Lake City bike center only adds to Utah's reputation as a hotbed for cyclists. The state offers a unique variety of bicycle recreation. The Slickrock Bike Trail in Moab, with 100,000 visitors per year, may be the most popular mountain bike trail in the world.
Whether riding on roads, trails or mountains biking in Utah can be a magnificent experience. Cyclists should, however, be cautious of some common hazards which can result in serious injuries. According to the CDC, more that 500,000 people nationwide are treated in emergency departments and 700 die as a result of bicycle-related injuries.
Dangers to Mountain Bikers
Mountain bikers should make a point to always be aware of the conditions surrounding them. Cliffs, loose rock, and other dangerous surfaces can cause falls for even experienced riders. Mountain bikers should also be conscious of their own and their fellow riders' abilities. The steep gradient or intricate maneuvering required on some trails may not be appropriate for everyone.
Dangers to Road Cyclists
Road cycling may seem relatively safe when compared to mountain biking but it presents its own unique hazards. Defects in the road such as bumps or potholes can potentially cause a cyclist to swerve or lose control of the bike and crash. Certain types of sewer grates may cause wheels to get trapped between the bars, resulting in a sudden stop that may pitch the rider forward onto their head.
Of course cars and trucks are a major danger to road cyclists. Errors on the part of the cyclist or auto driver can spell disaster, especially for the cyclist. Drivers sometimes do not look for traffic on the shoulder where cyclists on urban roads tend to ride. Additionally, cyclists should be aware that because of their relatively small size they may be completely absorbed into a driver's blind spot.
Both mountain and road cyclists can experience injuries as a result of defects in their bicycles or inferior design. These may often be overlooked when an accident occurs so riders should take note if the functioning of their bicycle seems problematic.
Cyclists should take precautions to ride safely so the experience remains a positive one. If you do suffer significant injuries from a bicycle injury you should contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. An attorney can advise you of your rights and evaluate potential claims.
