Cyclists, here is what to do if a vehicle hits you

Some of the techniques you (bike owner or now not) can do to assist create a more secure cycling surroundings is to coach your self on street protection

Footage by means of Gelo Gonzales/Pexels

Manila’s motorbike tradition is gaining traction at the moment in additional techniques than one.

Biking heavyweights like Le Excursion de Filipinas and PhilCycling are already in talks to flip Manila right into a extra bike-friendly town. And with the rising hobby of the commuting public in motorcycles at the moment (living proof: the dry run of the EDSA motorbike lanes), there might be extra cyclists at the roads of Manila quickly. 

Recently, the rustic lacks the essential infrastructure that’s conducive for protected cycling. The shortage of bikeways and parking areas in towns—on best of the truth that the Philippines remains to be regarded as one of the crucial worst puts to power on this planet—signifies that there’s nonetheless a protracted approach to pass prior to cycling can really be a legitimately inclusive mode of transportation.   

Simply closing Would possibly 23, Bong Nebrija, head of particular site visitors and shipping zone of the Metro Manila Construction Authority (MMDA) warned cyclists concerning the risk of cycling in Metro Manila’s roads after a biker was once discovered useless alongside EDSA Southbound Magallanes. 

“To all fellow bikers available in the market, please be sure you’re have compatibility sufficient to undergo the space and warmth whilst pedaling to paintings,” wrote Nebrija in a Fb put up. 

The Global Well being Group Philippines reported in 2018 that there have been 11,264 deaths from street injuries—53 % of which concerned bikes, tricycles, and two- or three-wheeled automobiles. If bike drivers are susceptible within the streets of Metro Manila, what extra for cyclists?  

In the meantime in the USA, the bike owner demise toll on my own larger in 2020 on account of incidents involving inebriated drivers, dashing drivers, and hit-and-run mishaps, which additionally occur in Manila.

Whilst some towns were taking steps to make roads more secure for cyclists, turning cycling right into a protected and viable mode of transportation will want systemic trade—person who calls for effort now not simply from cyclists and advocates but additionally (and most likely most significantly) native governments and non-bikers sharing the street.

For one, there’s obviously a necessity for regulation protective cyclists—insurance policies that ensure that protected cycling now not handiest by means of the development of infrastructure but additionally ones that may trade the mindset of non-bikers in relation to how they deal with cyclists. 

For those who’re a bike owner, one of the crucial techniques you’ll do to foster a more secure surroundings is to coach your self on street protection. Understanding what to do in case of motorcycle crashes in particular isn’t handiest a very powerful, it’s additionally a approach to empower your self at the street. Right here, we requested make a choice motorbike and protection mavens and a triathlete who used to often motorbike go back and forth to let us know extra about what to do in case of a crash. 

Cyclists will have to keep motionless to forestall additional damage 

“Cyclists that get taken down by means of an automotive will have to keep motionless to forestall additional damage. Take into account, bodily protection first prior to prison issues,” says photographer and avid bike owner Miguel Nacianceno.

It’s simple to react by means of going after the individual riding the auto but it surely’s vital to seem after your self first to keep away from further accidents. The very first thing you will have to do after you have hit by means of a vehicle is to get out of the road (if that’s the place you had been hit) and take a look at your self straight away. See if the crash led to any severe accidents.

Shipping bike owner and energetic mobility suggest Aldrin Pelicano prescribes calling 911, the police or an ambulance straight away. Don’t disregard the incident till the police or regulation enforcers arrive and report an authentic document. This gives documentation detailing the incident and the identification of the witnesses for precise evidence you’ll provide. Pelicano additionally says it’s best possible for police to peer the scene of the incident if conceivable so don’t transparent it out simply but.

“Get the identify and place of the officer too. Straight away search scientific consideration, both on the scene, or on the health facility. When unsure pass to the emergency room. Give all proceedings to the physician. Clinical information are evidence that you just had been injured and report the level of your accidents,” says Pelicano.

Record and take your individual pictures

Anton Siy, leader shipping planner of Pasig Town, says that documenting and taking footage of the incident is a should. Since Manila isn’t precisely essentially the most bike-friendly town but, cyclists are usually focused because the sufferer.

Arguments like “Bakit ka kasi nasa daan ng pang kotse?” or “Bicycle ka lang” may well be thrown at you however understand that simply because they’re riding a automobile doesn’t imply you don’t percentage the similar rights. It’s additionally vital to understand the principles of street biking so that you’re able to protect your self when you want to. You may additionally spend money on protection devices like a biking fly digicam or a halo belt you’ll use whilst cycling.

Get the motive force’s knowledge 

The police or street officers won’t at all times take the aspect of the bike owner, so it’s vital to gather motive force knowledge too. You’ll have in mind of the motive force’s complete identify, touch knowledge, and whoever witnessed the twist of fate. Those are precious knowledge you’ll provide to insurance coverage firms, hospitals or all over courtroom hearings in case of great incidents. 

“By no means negotiate with the motive force of the automobile, irrespective of who could also be at fault. Get the motive force’s identify and their insurance coverage knowledge in conjunction with the names of any passengers,” says Pelicano.

Stay calm and picked up

Vermosa Sports activities Hub triathlete Miguel Aldeguer was once as soon as concerned with a motorbike incident alongside EDSA Magallanes en path to Bonifacio International Town in December 2019. “I were given quite nudged by means of a vehicle whilst I used to be on a motorbike. We didn’t prevent to evaluate what came about, I simply gave him a glance and noticed his child and spouse throughout the vehicle. I let it pass since I knew to myself that not anything was once broken, I simply went off steadiness,” says Aldeguer. 

Now not all motorbike incidents shall be as minor as Aldeguer’s however being calm and picked up is helping save you additional warfare. We have a tendency to get annoyed or overreact when motorbike incidents occur however performing on those feelings might irritate the location. It’s best possible to manner it as frivolously as conceivable. 

Cyclists, don’t take blame should you’re now not improper

The motive force could also be annoyed and will subsequently pin the accountability at the bike owner. If you realize that it wasn’t your fault, by no means take accountability for the crash. John Duggan, a Seattle legal professional who focuses on motorbike regulation and protection says that you just should now not admit you’re at fault as a result of this may most likely have an effect on you should you plan to press fees or get insured. For those who don’t know your motorbike is broken, you’ll seek the advice of a motorbike mechanic or perhaps a skilled about your motorbike and the incident itself. 

With further reporting from Catherine Orda