However, with our new found enthusiasm for cycling must come a word or two of warning; RoSPA, the accident prevention charity, says that according to its own research, around 16,000 cyclists are reported as being injured each year. Shocking enough, but the society reckons less than a third of all cycling accidents are reported. The most common accidents in cities involve lorries turning across the path of a cyclist without realising he or she is alongside them.

When an accident happens, it is important to remember what legal protection you have as a cyclist. Indeed in many circumstances it should be possible to make a compensation claim against the person/persons responsible for causing your accident so you don’t find yourself out of pocket with medical expenses and the costs of replacing your bike and any clothing that was damaged during your accident.

A good personal injury lawyer will use all evidence available try to build as strong a case as possible for a cycling accident victim to ensure they receive compensation. However, there are a few steps you can take to not only increase your safety on the road, but also, if the worst should happen and you do get injured, increase your chances of making a successful claim:

• Wear a cycling helmet – a well made, close fitting helmet will cushion your head from any impacts, either from a moving vehicle or if you fall off and hit the pavement. Make sure you are told how to adjust the straps when you buy your helmet, and each time you use it check for signs of damage to the inner polystyrene, which could make it less effective in a crash.

• If travelling in winter or at night, fit lights to the front and rear of your bike, and wear a reflective jacket or reflective stripes to make sure you stand out in areas with poor street lighting.

• Obey the rules of the road – if you’re on a bike you might feel inclined to jump the odd red light, or take a short cut the wrong way up a one way street, however if you do so any claim you make against another driver maybe substantially reduced or even dismissed. Remember to follow the Highway Code just like other road users.

• If you are only slightly injured, and you have a camera or camera-phone with you, take some pictures of the accident scene. Visual evidence is extremely valuable in road accident compensation claims as it provides the courts with a better understanding of the accident circumstances. If you require medical attention after your accident, you should not put yourself in danger by trying to take photos, Camps Solicitors can arrange for an expert to take photos at a later date if required.

Whilst avoiding an accident is always going to be the best outcome, if you are not so fortunate then Camps Solicitors are here for you.

Camps Solicitors are accident claims specialists, based in the UK Camps can help you make a succesful no win no fee compensation claim.
Article Source: http://www.articlealley.com/http://neilworrallcampssoli.articlealley.com/petrol-too-pricey-cycling-safety-tips-847078.html

How out of puff should a 46 year old male push himself to while doing 30 mins a day of cycling for fitness?

Currently I am doing 10 miles a day of cycling for fitness which takes between 32 and 34 minutes depending on traffic. The route is a mixture of straights, moderate and steep hills and I average just over 18 mph. Was wondering how out of puff I should try to get for maximum fitness? Thanks in advance.

Answer
A good rule of thumb is to work out at 80 percent of your max heart rate. An estimate of max heart rate is 220 minus your age. So in your case, max heart rate is 174 and 80% of that is about 140. So if you keep you HR at 140 you should be OK. To really know your max heart rate, get a heart rate monitor. Then on a steep hill go up as fast and as hard as you can until you feel like you can’t go anymore and that should be your max HR. But DO NOT do that if you have any underlining health conditions.

The Advanced Guide To Base Cycling Training more info…