A bicycle may not be as complex of a machine as a car or other such motor vehicle, but it still consists of numerous parts which must all work properly in order for a bicyclist to remain safe on the road. Thus, if you regularly use a bicycle to navigate the Pittsburgh area, it’s wise to perform a regular bicycle safety test.

The best way to do this is to bring your bike into a shop where specialists can take a closer look at it. However, there are certain basic tasks you can perform on your own to confirm your bicycle is likely in good condition before taking it out on the road. They include (but aren’t necessarily limited to) the following:

Check Tire Pressure

Most bicycle tires will have their recommended pressure printed somewhere on the side. Check yours before each ride to ensure your tires don’t need to be inflated.

Often, the recommended tire pressure is actually a range. Typically, you should strive to keep your tires inflated near the maximum pressure, but if you’re going to be riding off-road, they should be closer to the minimum.

Check Your Brakes

Properly functioning brakes can mean the difference between being involved in a major accident or avoiding harm. Thus, before riding your bike, check the left brake by holding it down tightly and attempting to rock the bike back and forth. The brake should remain firm. Now, repeat with the right brake.

Never ride a bike if either brake slips or squeals during this task. Bring it in for repairs first.

Check the Crank Arm

The crank arm is simply the mechanism to which the pedals of your bike are attached. When checking it, align the crank arm so that it points upward. Stand on the right side of your bike and attempt to pull the crank toward you, then toward the bike. Don’t go for a ride if there is any movement.

There are various potential reasons a crank arm can become loose. As always, it’s best to let a bike repair professional address the problem.

Check Your Chain

Your chain will be exposed to the elements every time you ride your bike. This will cause it to rust over time.

Check your chain periodically. A little bit of surface rust can usually be addressed with some basic cleaning and re-lubricating. When a chain is rusted over completely, it’s time to replace it.

Don’t underestimate the importance of performing these basic tasks! A damaged or defective bike part can put you in harm’s way.

That said, it’s typically not your fault if you ever are injured in a bicycle accident resulting from a defect. In these circumstances, blame may lie with the manufacturer or designer of your vehicle.

You could potentially receive financial compensation for your medical bills and other such losses if you’re harmed in a bicycle accident due to a manufacturer’s or designer’s negligence. Learn more about your options by reviewing your case with a Pittsburgh bicycle accident and product liability attorney at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman. Contact us online or call us at 888-98-TWINS(89467) to get started today.

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, many people are adjusting to a new lifestyle. Stay-at-home orders seek to limit how often people leave their houses. However, most orders still allow people to leave their houses to partake in exercise. Many people in Pittsburgh have turned to bicycle to stay in shape. However, the Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman want to remind both drivers and cyclists alike not to be lulled into a false sense of security because there is less traffic on the roadway. 

Pennsylvania, Stay At Home, And Bicycling

Pennsylvania may be under a stay-at-home order, but that does not mean residents aren’t finding ways to get recreation. Initially, the stay-at-home orders for Pennsylvania did not list bike shops as essential businesses. However, with outreach to the mayor’s office from several groups, that quickly changed. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, local bike shops, and local companies like BikeCo know that bicycle shops are vital. 

Bike shop owners have reported an increase in first-time riders as well. As long as people maintain proper social distancing when they are out riding, outdoor exercising is encouraged. In fact, many people are using their bikes as their main method of transportation because they view cycling to work as less risky than taking public transportation, where COVID-19 may spread more easily. 

However, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman does not want anybody to be fooled because there is less traffic on the roadways. Both drivers and bicycle riders alike need to be aware they must maintain proper traffic safety. 

We recommend that bicyclists:

• Continue to follow all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and stoplights, using marked crosswalks when they are available, riding on the right side of the roadway, etc.
• Never assume that there are no vehicles around or that a driver will see you just because there are no other vehicles on the roadway. 
• Wear helmets at all times to ensure maximum safety in the event an accident does occur. 

We also want to remind drivers that just because there is less traffic does not mean they can pay any less attention to the roadway. Put away all phones and other distractions and also be aware that there are many first-time bicycle riders on the roadway that may not be familiar with proper bicycle riding safety. 

Let Us Help You With Your Case

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman today. We want to investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This could include:

• All accident-related to medical expenses 
• Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering and loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Possible punitive damages against those responsible

If you need bicycle or pedestrian accident attorneys in Pittsburgh, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.