Spring is officially in full bloom so many New Yorkers will start taking advantage by getting outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather. If you are a bicycle enthusiast who likes to ride on city streets, bike paths, or nature trails, New York personal injury lawyer Nicholas Rose wants to remind you to be safe out there.
In addition to the many that use bicycles as a mode of transportation, will be the added cyclists who enjoy riding as a hobby, who compete in races, or who enjoy an evening ride with their family. New Yorkers may even see more bicyclists on the roadways this spring and summer due the high cost of gas, which doesn’t appear to be turning back the other way any time soon.
Bicycling can be dangerous as we have posted many times on our New York Injury Lawyer Blog. In 2009, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles reported over 5,600 bicycle accidents in the state. Almost half of the fatalities occurring from bicycle accidents were in New York City alone, another almost 2,800 were injured in cycling accidents in the city.
A recent crash in upstate New York has left three cyclist severely injured according to The Saratogian. Twelve cyclists competing in the Tour of the Battenkill race were injured; three of them sustained injuries severe enough that they had to be transported by helicopter to the hospital. Details of the accident are still being investigated.
Whether you are taking a casual ride through Central Park with the family or competing in a cycling race, New York bicyclists are reminded of the following safety tips:
-If you are traveling alone, let a friend or family member know where you will be riding and how long you think you will be gone.
-Remember to carry a fully charged cell phone with you while you are riding.
-Wear brightly colored clothing, especially during dawn or dusk hours or high traffic times.
-Always wear a helmet that fits securely. The helmet should cover the forehead and the chin strap should fit securely not allowing any movement of the helmet. The helmet must be approved by ASTM, CSA or Snell.
-Maintain your bicycle with routine safety checks. Make sure your tires have the correct air pressure, the brakes work sufficiently and the reflectors are visible and properly secured.
-Never assume what other cyclists, motorists or pedestrians are going to do. Use extra caution when crossing streets or at highly congested areas.
New York personal injury attorney Nicholas Rose is dedicated to fighting for the rights of victims and their families. If you have been injured in a New York bicycle accident, contact the Law Offices of Nicholas Rose for a free and confidential appointment. Call toll free at 1-877-313-ROSE(7673) or 718-261-0546.
