Experts give tips on bike safety
As the snow melts and the weather grows warmer, biking becomes a popular way to get around on campus. With the increased popularity of biking, crashes can also take place.
Greg Rakozy, a sophomore majoring in business and marketing, is a cycling enthusiast. Rakozy has ridden in clubs, on competitive teams and for recreation since age 12.
Rakozy is was involved in a major biking accident last semester while on riding south on 800 East.
“I was late for class and it was 8:20 in the morning – everyone is super busy,” Rakozy said.
Rakozy said he ran into the side of a car pulling into a driveway from the opposite lane. Because of the heavy traffic, he didn’t see the car coming through the gap left by a bus for cars to get through.
“It was either miss the car and run into the bus or get hit by another car in oncoming traffic, run into a parked car or hit the car straight on,” he said.
Because the driver wasn’t paying attention either, it was a no-fault accident, Rakozy said.
“I had tons of medical bills to pay and they only had to replace a door,” he said.
Rakozy said there are a few things he would have done differently to make riding a safer experience.
“I think it begins with awareness in both parties – not just cyclists or motorists,” said Rakozy. “It has to be on both ends. Mornings are busy and crazy – you just have to be careful.”
Rakozy said getting to campus is the most hectic part, and he now gives himself plenty of time to get to class so he doesn’t have to rush.
Erik Arakelian, a junior majoring in international agricultural business major, had other suggestions to avoid accidents. Arakelian has been riding bicycles since he was young and said he made a business of building and selling bikes as a teen.
“If you want to be safe, you have to think about it. You can’t wear two headphones blaring your music and say ‘Oh, people will see me,'” he said. “You have to kind of expect the worst from other drivers.”
Arakelian said being aware and following laws of the road are the best ways to stay safe.
“You have to expect that other drivers can’t see you, and always be looking over your shoulder so you’re aware of where other cars are,” he said. “Hand signals are also important – use your hand signals.”
Both Arakelian and Rakozy said the roads in Logan were quite different than their home states.
“I’ve never had an issue in New York with riding bikes, primarily because everyone’s aware and the roads are so small that you can’t drive fast on them,” Rakozy said.
Arakelian, a native of California, said the laws are very different in his home state.
“I feel like Utah is a little more friendly to bikers, but some drivers don’t think like that,” he said.
There are resources for students to learn about bikes and safety on campus.
Katie Harker, a junior majoring in exercise science, is an employee at Aggie Blue Bikes. She said there were a few things the bike accidents she’s seen have in common.
“A big problem is people riding on the roadside sidewalks,” she said. “Cars aren’t looking for them there.”
Harker said she doesn’t think most cyclists realize they have the same rights and responsibilities as cars when riding.
“The biggest, most important thing is to be aware of what’s going on,” she said. “Be looking out for cars, be looking for pedestrians when you’re riding around and do what cars are doing.”
Harker said Aggie Blue Bikes sells mostly parts used for repair and has tutorials frequently to help teach students how to perform routine maintenance and repairs to their own bikes.
“That part has been growing a lot because kids are realizing they can come and learn to work on their own bikes, which is a really fulfilling experience,” she said. “Bikes are a great way to enjoy Logan.”
– derrick.saunders91@aggiemail.usu.edu