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Stuff Happens | Richard Fries' Safe Cycling Tips
Bicyclists face unpredictable road hazards daily, from sudden weather changes to infrastructure failures. Navigating these situations safely requires assessing the environment, taking strategic action, and maintaining control of the bicycle. In this video, Richard Fries outlines practical steps to handle sudden obstacles and what to do if an incident or injury happens on the road.
| Key Takeaway | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Road Hazards are Unpredictable | Planned bicycling routes can change unexpectedly due to hazards like fallen trees, broken water mains, out-of-service bridges, or weather-induced flooding. |
| Step 1: Assess the Situation | Determine whether it is necessary to walk or if you can ride through, and evaluate the severity of the hazard. |
| Step 2: Evaluate Surrounding Traffic | Check for police or traffic directors, determine if there is enough space to safely take the lane, and plan how to navigate through. |
| Step 3: Assume the Ready Position | Approach the hazard light and nimble rather than charging in wildly, staying prepared to maneuver. |
| Step 4: Keep Pedaling | If riding through, maintain momentum by pedaling to drive the bicycle smoothly with the rear wheel rather than wobbling, while carefully guiding the front wheel through. |
| Actions in Case of an Incident or Injury | If an accident occurs, file a police report, document everything with photos, and reach out to an attorney. |
Read Full Video Transcript
Richard Fries:
Stuff happens.
Whatever route you planned, that can change. Trees can blow down. Water manes can break. Bridges can be out. Weather can cause flooding. All sorts of hazards can appear on our bike rides. Here's how to navigate a road hazard. First, assess the situation. Do I have to walk through? Can I ride through? How bad is it? Second, look at the traffic around it. Is there a cop directing you to get through? Do you have enough room to take the lane? Look at how you're going to get through. Third, assume the ready position and don't charge in wildly. Go in light and nimble and be ready to maneuver. And fourth, if you are riding through a road hazard, try to keep pedaling. You want to drive the bike through, not wobbly. Try to nurse the front wheel through. Use that rear wheel. That'll get you through most circumstances. But if you do have an incident or suffer an injury, make sure you file a report with the police, document everything, take pictures, and contact an attorney. At Jeffrey Glassman [music] Injury Lawyers, we ride. We get it. We've been there. We're on your side.
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