A recent surge in California bike accidents has led law enforcement in Red Bluff to crack down on bicycle lawbreakers. According to Red Bluff news, five police officers rushed to the Sacramento River Bridge to help an alleged stabbing victim. When they arrived it turned out that the man had suffered a bicycle accident after stealing a bottle of vodka, and losing control of his bicycle. Alcohol was a factor in the rash.

Two other bike accidents occurred, one involved a car turning in front of a bike and causing a crash, while the other was the result of a bicyclist riding on the wrong side of the road.

These accidents, along with several recent highly publicized San Francisco bike accidents underscore the need for motorists and bicyclists to pay greater mind to the rules of the road in an effort to improve safety.

Some tips include:

• Always wear a bike helmet. Wearing a helmet can prevent serious injuries and even death to riders in collisions. Wearing a helmet is required for individuals under the age of 18.

• Obey the rules of the road, including all traffic signals

• Look out for cars at driveways, cross streets and parking places

• Yield to pedestrians

• Never riding "double," i.e. carrying another person on your handle bars or seat

• Use appropriate hand signals

• Maintain your bicycle in good condition

For more information regarding the operation and use of bicycles and equipment requirements, please see California Vehicle Code (CVC) 231 and 21200-21205, 21208, 21210-21212, 21650.1, 21960, 22111, 23330, 27400, 39002, 23111 and 23112.

If you have questions about California bike accidents, or have been involved in a collision, please contact an experienced Sacramento bike accident lawyer at the Law Office of Frederick J. Sette for an immediate consultation.