Smartphone apps can help improve bicycle safety by providing cyclists with essential tools and information. While it is never a good idea to handle a smartphone while operating a vehicle or bicycle, having certain apps installed can grant peace of mind.
These apps offer features that help riders navigate safely, stay connected with others and track their rides to ensure a safer cycling experience.
Navigation and route planning
Apps like Google Maps and Komoot provide cyclists with real-time GPS navigation. This makes it easy to find the safest and most efficient routes. These apps often highlight bike lanes, trails and low-traffic roads, allowing cyclists to avoid hazardous areas. By choosing safer routes, cyclists can reduce their risk of accidents and enjoy a more comfortable ride.
Emergency assistance
Smartphone apps also offer emergency assistance features that can save lives in dire situations. Apps like RoadID and Bike Computer include features that allow cyclists to send automated emergency alerts to their contacts if they experience an accident. These alerts often include the rider’s location, making it easier for first responders or loved ones to find them quickly. This feature can significantly reduce response times in emergencies.
Bike maintenance and tracking
Smartphone apps can also help cyclists maintain their bikes and keep them in good working condition. Bike Doctor and MyBike, for example, provide step-by-step instructions for basic bike maintenance tasks. Apps like Boomerang and Sherlock also offer bike tracking features that can help locate a stolen bike, making it easier for cyclists to recover their property and continue riding safely.
The California Office of Traffic Safety reports that there were 125 bicyclist fatalities in 2021. Everyone has a responsibility to be mindful of bicycle safety on the road, but cyclists themselves can take extra steps to ensure their well-being by using the sophisticated smartphone tools available to them.
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