Passing Bicyclists Safely and Reducing the Risk of Bicycling Accidents
Written by Cooper & Friedman PLLC on May 10, 2016
Driving through busy city streets, narrow country roads and even through wide open spaces can become a dangerous place for motorists and bicyclists, but it doesn’t have to be. Motor vehicle drivers and people riding bicycles have been sharing the road for quite some time. And the popularity of bike transport for work and pleasure is only increasing with rising gasoline prices, a growing interest in practical ways to get physical activity, and a movement towards environmentally friendly low-impact transport.
Though cars and bikes have been sharing the roads for decades, the relationship between the two isn’t always amicable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 21,287 bicyclists suffered from injuries in road accidents. And this includes more than 3,500 people who were either very seriously injured in a bicycling accident or even killed. While most injured bicyclists are adults, about 11% of bike-related injuries included children.
Reducing the Risk of Bicycle Accidents
Fortunately there are some safety measures that can be implemented to reduce the risk of car and bicycle accidents for everyone. Most states in the U.S. have some type of law for passing bicyclists. And Kentucky is moving in this direction too.
In February 2016 a safe-passing rule for cyclists was passed by the Kentucky senate by a margin of 33 to 4. The bill would require a 3-foot padding between vehicles and cyclists. This rule is becoming increasingly common across the country as a way to reduce the risk of bicycling accidents – in fact some states require as much as 5 feet of space. And the Kentucky bill also included an allowance for drivers safely crossing the double-yellow line as needed in order to give ample room to cyclists. If Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin signs the bill into law, Kentucky will join over 25 other states with similar requirements. Indiana does not currently have a safe passing law for cars and bicyclists.
Bike accident attorneys at Cooper and Friedman Attorneys at Law in Louisville, Kentucky, support this safe-passing rule as a way to increase safety for cyclists in Louisville and around the State of Kentucky. As a bike accident law firm, the attorneys at Cooper and Friedman understand the very serious damages and injuries that can be caused when a vehicle hits a cyclist. Implementing laws that can help limit the number of bike accidents in Louisville and throughout the State of Kentucky makes sense for a healthier and safer community.
Increasing Safety for Bicyclists and Cars – State by State Laws to Reduce Bicycling Accidents
Along with safe-passing rules, there are other measures being implemented across the U.S. to increase bike safety and reduce the number of bike accidents. Here are a few examples as reported by the League of American Bicyclists:
Helmet Laws – Some states require people riding a bicycle to wear a protective bike helmet.
Dooring Laws – Certain states including Massachusetts and California require that car drivers do not open vehicle doors unless it is safe to do so without interrupting other traffic including bicyclists.
“Idaho Stop” – Idaho has created specific laws for bicyclists at red lights and stop signs in a number of ways: A cyclist approaching a stop sign must slow down and if necessary for safety, stop, or at a reasonable speed proceed through the intersection without stopping.
Share the Road License Plates – Some states like Kentucky, Iowa, Oregon and Colorado offer the Share the Road license plate. A portion of proceeds go to fund different state-based bike safety efforts.
Distracted Driving Laws – Many states have laws that disallow writing, reading or sending text messages while operating a motor vehicle.
Where to Ride – Certain states like Alabama and California require that cyclists ride as far to the right as possible and safe.
For vehicle drivers and cyclists alike, it’s important to follow safety protocol to minimize risk on the roads. But despite our best efforts, sometimes bicycling accidents do happen. And in the case of bicycle accidents, these can sometimes be very serious and even life threatening.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a bicycling accident in Kentucky or Southern, Indiana, get the legal protection you deserve. The time following an accident is often overwhelming and scary. An experienced bicycle accident attorney can help you make a claim and defend your rights. As the victim of a bicycle accident, you may qualify for many benefits including payment for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and more.
Injury attorneys at the Cooper and Friedman law firm have successfully recovered millions of dollars for accident victims in Kentucky and Indiana. Our experienced bike accident attorneys offer free case consultations and only collect payment if we successfully win a case or get a settlement for you.