Despite the cooling weather, passionate winter cyclists remain determined to get out and enjoy their bike rides. Biking during the colder months can provide a revitalizing bit of exercise. In these times especially, when spending prolonged periods confined indoors, stepping outside to embrace the invigorating chill and engaging in stress-alleviating rides can bring about tangible well-being advantages both mentally and physically.

However, the perils of winter cycling are not to be taken lightly. Reduced daylight, impaired visibility, slippery roads, and the absence of proper cycling infrastructure in urban areas across the region expose cyclists to significant harm whenever they embark on their chilly rides.

Although cyclists may not have control over all winter bike accidents, there are steps they can take to minimize the risk of a collision. Regardless of the time of year, cyclists should prioritize their personal safety. Ensuring a safe ride starts even before getting on a bicycle by following necessary safety measures. In Nova Scotia, it is mandatory for bicycles to have a bell or horn, front light, and rear reflector or light, regardless of the time of year. To enhance visibility during cycling, it is advisable to make sure that battery-operated lights are fully charged before embarking on a ride.

In preparation for venturing onto icy roads, individuals contemplating winter cycling can carry out bike maintenance to ensure their bicycles are prepared to withstand the demands of inclement weather. In fact, certain cyclists may opt to stow away their customary summer bicycles during the season and instead opt for a more resilient, wider-framed bike designed specifically for winter riding.In the chilly, wintry period, equipping a bicycle with a front fender and a rear mudflap can offer enhanced shielding from the corrosive effects of road salt or slush.

In order to enhance traction while riding bicycles on slippery, damp, or frozen roads, cyclists can opt to reduce the tire pressure slightly. During the winter season, certain cyclists might go a step further and utilize studded tires. While not obligatory from a legal standpoint, these specialized tires assist riders in maintaining control when navigating roads that remain covered in snow or ice.

Before venturing into traffic, it is crucial for cyclists to evaluate the functionality of their brakes when exposed to snow or ice. Although bikes equipped with hydraulic drift brakes are ideal for winter conditions, it is still important to routinely test and lubricate the brake pivots on all types of bicycles. By ensuring regular maintenance and care during the winter season, bike riders can significantly reduce the chances of getting hurt in an accident, as well as ensure their bicycles remain in optimal condition for safe use.

What To Wear Winter Cycling

Regardless of the weather, it is mandatory for residents of Nova Scotia to have helmets on while cycling. In order to tackle the chilly temperatures, cyclists have the option to wear a beanie beneath their helmets. However, they might have to either remove or modify the sizing pads of their helmets to ensure a proper fit over their hats.

Apart from donning appropriate headgear, cyclists must also prioritize their visibility. Despite having headlights, reflectors, or flashing rear lights, bikes may require additional safety measures in adverse weather conditions. Sporting vibrant attire or wearing reflective vests over their outer clothing can significantly enhance cyclists’ visibility, thereby heightening the likelihood of catching the attention of other motorists on the road.

During adverse weather conditions such as snowstorms, freezing rain, or strong winds, cyclists have the option to safeguard their eyes by wearing winter cycling goggles. Another useful accessory is the installation of “pogies” on the bicycle, which are handlebar mitts directly attached to the bike. This ingenious addition not only ensures warmth for the cyclist’s hands but also allows them to maintain proper control over the bike’s steering mechanism.

Cyclists might experience a significant increase in body heat while riding a bicycle in challenging situations. To prevent overheating, they can opt for a combination of synthetic clothing layers beneath a breathable and waterproof outer layer. Contrary to logic, donning a lightweight jacket in the frigid winter months could enhance comfort and safety during their daily commute.

The Dangers of Winter Cycling

The significance of one’s personal safety while riding a bicycle and sharing the roads of Nova Scotia with motor vehicles is evident to those who commute daily. Throughout the year, there lies a potential danger for cyclists to suffer severe injuries due to collisions. Unlike most passenger vehicles, bicycles lack built-in safety features, rendering riders more susceptible to experiencing grave harm as a consequence of accidents involving other vehicles on the road.

Every year, around 7,500 Canadians experience severe injuries as a result of cycling accidents.

Bicycle accidents often lead to a variety of injuries, such as:

  • Fractured or Broken Bones
  • Scrapes, bruising, and deep cuts
  • Injuries to the back and neck
  • Injuries directly affecting the spinal cord
  • Loss of bodily function and paralysis
  • Severe head injuries
  • Traumatic damage to the brain
  • And a variety of other types of injuries

During the winter season, reduced visibility and adverse weather circumstances can potentially elevate the chances of a cyclist facing harm in an encounter with careless motorists. The influence of bicycle accidents in winter can have a profound impact on the entirety of a victim’s existence. Apart from the possibility of enduring severe injuries, these victims might encounter considerable financial setbacks due to the repercussions of their unfortunate incident. Bicycle accidents can lead to injuries that hinder a victim’s ability to fulfill their job responsibilities. Should an accident prevent them from earning an income, the already challenging recovery process may become even more burdensome and overwhelming.

If a driver caused a bicycle accident resulting in your injury, a lawyer specializing in bicycle accident injuries in Nova Scotia can assist you in obtaining financial compensation for the expenses that arose due to your injuries.

Seeking Compensation for Injuries Sustained in a Bicycle Accident

Regardless of the time of year, it is universally expected that every motor vehicle operator must exercise caution and responsibility towards all road users, regardless of their mode of transportation, including cyclists.

A Nova Scotia lawyer specializing in bicycle accidents could potentially assist you in seeking compensation for both financial and non-financial losses if you were injured in an accident due to a driver’s careless actions on the road.

Accident victims may face various expenses directly linked to their injuries, known as pecuniary damages. To recoup the out-of-pocket payments necessitated by their injuries, individuals can file a lawsuit against the negligent driver responsible for the bicycle accident. By seeking legal action, an attorney can assist their client in recovering the financial burden incurred due to the accident. Examples of pecuniary damages may encompass:

  • Costs associated with medical treatments
  • Expenses for necessary physical and emotional therapies
  • Continual medical support or care provided at home
  • Earnings foregone due to inability to work
  • Diminished capability to earn in the future
  • Adapted living costs
  • And potentially more

When a bicycle accident takes a devastating turn, leaving individuals with permanent injuries and a profound loss of physical well-being, the emotional toll and overall decline in their quality of life become undeniable. During these distressing circumstances, seeking assistance from a lawyer in Nova Scotia could be a ray of hope for injured cyclists, as they may assist in seeking compensatory damages that go beyond financial remuneration. Some of these damages could be:

  • Experiencing physical discomfort and distress
  • Emotional torment
  • The loss of enjoyment in everyday life
  • And potentially more

Contact NOVA Injury Law Today

If you have suffered injuries from a bicycle accident due to the carelessness of another driver, there is a possibility that you could receive financial compensation for the losses you have endured. To explore the details of the incident and determine if you meet the criteria to seek damages, reach out to our team at NOVA Injury Law today.