Bakersfield is a great place to ride a bicycle. With its mild climate and beautiful scenery, it’s the perfect location for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find plenty of routes and trails to explore in and around Bakersfield. Not only that, but there are a number of different bicycle riding clubs and teams based in the city. These groups offer you a great way to meet other like-minded bicyclists, improve your skills, and explore the beautiful terrain of the area.
While riding your bicycle is a fun and healthy way to get around, it can also be dangerous, especially in a city with heavy traffic like Bakersfield. Collisions with motor vehicles, road hazards, and dangerous intersections frequently lead to accidents where injuries and other damage will result. That’s why it’s important for cyclists to take necessary precautions, such as wearing helmets and following traffic laws, to reduce the risk of accidents. Still, the reality is that bicycle accidents in Bakersfield happen.
Contact Maison Law Today For a Free Consultation
In the event that a bicycle accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the ability to recover damages. At Maison Law, our team of experienced Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers can guide you through this process. We have the skills and experience necessary to make sure you get the benefits and support available to you so you can get back on the road. To get started, contact us today for a free consultation.
Bicycle Riding Clubs in Bakersfield
Bakersfield is home to a number of different bicycle riding clubs, which provide opportunities for cyclists of all ages and skill levels to get out and ride together. Whether you’re a competitive racer or just looking for a group to ride with on weekends, chances are you can find a group that’s perfect for you. These clubs include:
- Bakersfield Bike Club – The Bakersfield Bike Club is the oldest and largest bicycle riding club in the city, with over 300 members. They offer weekly rides for cyclists of all skill levels, as well as training programs and social events.
- Kern Wheelmen – Kern Wheelmen is another popular bicycle riding club in Bakersfield, with a focus on recreational cycling. They offer a variety of rides throughout the week, ranging from casual rides to longer, more challenging routes.
- Kern River Mountain Bike Association – If you’re a mountain biker, the Kern River Mountain Bike Association is the club for you. They organize group rides and trail maintenance events throughout the year and work to promote and support mountain biking in the area.
- Bakersfield Youth Mountain Bike Team – For younger cyclists, the Bakersfield Youth Mountain Bike Team offers a great opportunity to get involved in the sport. They provide coaching and training for kids aged 8-18, as well as opportunities to compete in local races.
While riding with one of these clubs is a great way to improve your skills and meet other bicyclists, accidents can still happen. At the same time, one of the benefits of riding with these clubs is that they can teach you how to reduce the risk for an accident, as well as what to do if you find yourself in one.
Reducing the Risk of a Bicycle Accident in Bakersfield
Some bicycle accidents can’t be avoided. Whether you’re riding alone or with a group, these unfortunate incidents happen frequently in Bakersfield. Better yet, these guidelines always work. They may not prevent an accident, but when you put them in place, they will always at least reduce the risk of being in one of these accidents. These guidelines include the following:
- Always wear a helmet – Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect your head in the event of a bicycle accident. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted and meets safety standards.
- Increase your visibility – Make sure you’re visible to drivers by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using lights and reflectors on your bike.
- Follow traffic laws – As a bicyclist, you’re required to follow the same traffic laws as drivers. This means stopping at stop signs and traffic lights, signaling turns, and riding in the same direction as traffic.
- Be aware of your surroundings – Pay attention to what’s happening around you and be on the lookout for potential hazards, such as potholes, debris, or parked cars.
- Stay focused – Avoid distractions while riding, such as using your phone or listening to music. Keep your attention on the road and your surroundings.
- Use bike lanes and paths when available – Bakersfield has a growing network of bike lanes and paths, which can help keep you separated from vehicle traffic.
- Consider taking a cycling safety course – While being in a bicycle riding club can teach you valuable skills and techniques, so too can a cycling safety course. These courses are available throughout Bakersfield and will help you stay safe on the road.
While these tips can help reduce the risk of a bicycle accident, accidents can still happen. In the event that you or a loved one are in one, make sure to reach out to our team of experienced Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers. We can explain your legal rights to you, as well as what to do next.
Next Steps After You’ve Been in a Bakersfield Bicycle Accident
No rider wants to be in a bicycle accident, but one of the most unfortunate aspects of riding your bike is that they still happen–even if you take all the necessary precautions. At the same time, because they can happen at any time, it’s important to know what to do, especially if you’re just starting out. To that end, there is a clear process with procedures you’ll need to take if you do find yourself involved in one of these accidents. These include:
- Seeking medical attention – The first and most important step after a bicycle accident is to seek medical attention. Even if you don’t feel injured immediately, it’s important to get checked out by a medical professional to make sure you haven’t sustained any internal injuries.
- Reporting the accident – If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, it’s important to report the accident to the police as soon as possible. This will create a record of the incident, which can be helpful if you decide to pursue legal action.
- Gathering evidence – If possible, gather evidence at the scene of the accident, including photos of the damage to your bike, any injuries you’ve sustained, and the location where the accident occurred.
Once you’re able to get to safety, deal with your injuries and get medical attention, you should consider contacting our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers. We can help you determine the viability of a claim, then figure out what the next steps are. California law provides you with the opportunity to file a claim for damages against the person who was at-fault for the accident, and our team can guide you through the process. The claims process typically involves the following:
- Filing an insurance claim – Most of the time, filing an insurance claim with the at-fault party can help you recover costs for your injuries and damages. Also, if you have insurance coverage for your bicycle, you may be able to file a claim to further cover the cost of your medical bills and bike repairs.
- Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company offers you a low settlement, you can move forward with filing a lawsuit. Like the insurance claim, our team can expertly guide you through the litigation process and make sure that you get the compensation you deserve.
Experienced Bakersfield Bicycle Accident Lawyers Can Help You
At Maison Law, our team of experienced Bakersfield bicycle accident lawyers takes great pride in our ability to represent bicyclists who have been injured in accidents. We have the knowledge and experience to help you understand your legal options, and will work tirelessly to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.