There is no shortage of activities and hobbies to enjoy in Fresno. One of the most popular is riding a bicycle, which allows riders to explore the city and the surrounding area. One of the best ways to get involved in the cycling community is by joining a local riding club. There are several clubs in Fresno and the surrounding area that cater to cyclists of all levels and interests.
While there are numerous benefits of riding a bicycle in Fresno, there are also risks–the most serious of which are accidents. No matter which riding club you choose, it’s important to remember that these accidents can happen, even when you’re riding with a group. Riding with a Fresno bicycle club can provide you with a great foundation for the basics of bicycling, but you still have to be prepared for what to do when you find yourself in an accident.
Experienced Guidance From Fresno Bicycle Accident Lawyers
At Maison Law, we understand how difficult and impactful a bicycle accident can be. That’s why our team of experienced Fresno bicycle accident lawyers is here to help if you or a loved one has been involved in one. We’re dedicated to helping you receive the compensation you deserve so that you can focus on recovery and getting back on your bike. Contact us for a free consultation to get started.
Bicycle Riding Clubs in Fresno
Cycling is a great way to stay active, explore the outdoors, and meet new people. If you’re looking to get involved in the cycling community in Fresno, joining a local club is a great way to do so. The city has clubs and teams that are ideal for all experience levels, and include the following:
- Fresno Cycling Club – One of the largest and most active cycling clubs in the area, the Fresno Cycling Club has over 300 members and offers a wide range of activities and events for cyclists of all levels. They organize weekly group rides on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as training programs, social events, and cycling advocacy initiatives.
- Fresno County Bicycle Coalition – The Fresno County Bicycle Coalition is a non-profit organization that advocates for safe, accessible, and enjoyable cycling for all members of the community. The coalition works to promote cycling as a healthy, sustainable, and low-cost form of transportation and recreation and offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support local cyclists, including education and outreach, community events, and advocacy for bike-friendly policies and infrastructure.
- Central Valley Cycling Charitable Association – The Central Valley Cycling Charitable Association (CVCCA) is a non-profit organization that promotes cycling in the Fresno area while supporting local charities. This club organizes several charity rides throughout the year, including the “Tour de Fresno” and the “Clawson Classic”. These events are a great way to get involved in the community while supporting a good cause.
- Sunnyside Bicycles Racing Team – If you’re looking for a more competitive cycling experience, the Sunnyside Bicycles Racing Team might be for you. This club is open to both men and women and competes in road, mountain, and cyclocross races throughout the year. They also organize group rides and training sessions for members who want to improve their skills and fitness.
- Sierra Cascades Bicycle Club – The Sierra Cascades Bicycle Club is based in Oakhurst, just outside of the city limits of Fresno. This club organizes weekly rides in the foothills and mountains surrounding Fresno, as well as longer rides and tours throughout California and beyond.
No matter which club you choose, joining one of Fresno’s local cycling clubs is a great way to meet like-minded people, improve your skills, and enjoy the terrain and outdoors. But these clubs also offer other important information for riders, including what to watch out for on Fresno’s roads.
Risks of Riding Your Bicycle in Fresno
Fresno is certainly a great place to ride your bicycle, and being a member of one of its many bicycling clubs can be a healthy and environmentally friendly way to commute or exercise. Unfortunately, though, it also comes with certain risks:
- Poor road conditions – Fresno’s roads can be uneven and full of potholes, which can cause cyclists to lose control of their bikes and crash.
- Heavy traffic – Fresno is a busy city, and cyclists may find themselves sharing the road with large trucks and buses that can be intimidating or dangerous.
- Lack of bike lanes – While Fresno has some bike lanes, they are not available on every road, leaving cyclists to navigate through traffic.
- Extreme weather – During the summer months, Fresno can experience temperatures in the triple digits, which can be dangerous for cyclists who may suffer from heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
- Limited visibility – While its location in the San Joaquin Valley provides a nice climate and surroundings, the weather in Fresno can sometimes be hazy and foggy. This decreases visibility, which can make it difficult for drivers to see cyclists on the road.
Anytime you ride your bike in Fresno, your top priority should be your health and safety. While you can’t always guarantee your safety, there are measures you can take that will at least reduce the risk of being in a bicycle accident.
What Precautions Can I Take to Avoid a Bicycle Accident in Fresno?
One of the many benefits of being in a Fresno bicycle riding club is that it provides opportunities to learn new skills and techniques for riding safely and efficiently. To that end, by spending any amount of time riding a bicycle in Fresno, you can learn several precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being involved in an accident:
- Wear proper safety gear – Wearing a helmet and safety gear while on a bicycle is highly recommended to reduce the risk of injury in case of an accident. A helmet can protect your head and brain from serious injury in the event of a fall or collision. In addition to a helmet, safety gear such as knee and elbow pads can protect other parts of your body from injury.
- Use lights and reflectors – Using lights and reflectors while on a bike is essential for making yourself visible to drivers, especially when riding at night or in low-light conditions. The lights and reflectors make it easier for drivers to see you from a distance and react accordingly, reducing the risk of a collision.
- Follow traffic laws – Following traffic laws and signs, using hand signals when turning or changing lanes, and riding in the direction of traffic can greatly reduce the risk of an accident.
- Stay alert – This one is rather obvious, but by keeping an eye out for hazards like potholes, debris, and parked cars that may open their doors, you can reduce the chances that one of these hazards will cause an accident. Additionally, stay focused on the road ahead and avoid distractions like texting or listening to music.
- Use bike lanes or routes – When possible, use designated bike lanes or routes to avoid sharing the road with cars. Be especially cautious when approaching and crossing intersections, as many bicycle accidents occur at intersections.
While there is no way to totally prevent an accident, it’s always important to take these necessary precautions when you ride your bike in Fresno. It’s also important to remember that if you’re in an accident that’s someone else’s fault, you have the legal right to file a claim for damages. This can sometimes be a complicated process, so it’s in your best interest to work with our team of experienced bicycle accident lawyers to walk you through it.
Contact Maison Law Today For a Free Consultation
At Maison Law, we know how devastating a bicycle accident can be. Whether you’re riding alone or with one of Fresno’s many bicycle riding clubs, accidents can happen at any time. With our knowledge and expertise, we can help you navigate the legal process, fight for your rights, and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Take the next step in your recovery by contacting us for a free consultation.
