Officials with the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and with Bike League are teaming up to support bicyclists nationwide. One of their first moves to spread the word was to release a new PSA at the National Bike Summit, according to DC Streets Blog.
The good news is that they’re not alone. Also fighting for bicyclist safety are those with The City of New York. The New York City Bicycle Safety Coalition was created back in 2006 in response to a 40 percent increase in the number of cyclist fatalities over the prior year in the five boroughs. The Coalition is comprised of a range of parties who have one goal in mind — to make the streets safer for everyone.
Our Queens bicycle accident lawyers understand that bicyclists face some serious risks on the streets of New York. Our congested roads are too often deathtraps for our two-wheeled friends. That’s why it’s important that we shift our attention to these vulnerable travelers each spring.
We’re here to offer up some safety tips, from officials with the City of New York, to help you get to your destination a little safer. Bicyclists, listen up!
-Always ride in a bike lane when there one is available.
-Whenever you can, you want to stay to the right.
-When roadways are narrow and motor vehicles cannot pass one another safely, you have the right to ride in the middle of the travel lane.
-If you’re traveling on a 40-foot-wide, 1-way street, you’re allowed to ride on the left-hand side.
-Before crossing the road, you want to make sure you make eye contact with drivers.
-Parked cars aren’t safe either. Remember that drivers in parked cars can open doors directly into your travel path — resulting in some serious injury.
-Make yourself as visible as possible. In addition to riding where you’re supposed to, you also want to wear bright colors and reflective materials.
Remember, bicyclists are required to obey all signals, signs and pavement markings, too. When you’re at a stop sign or a red light — you’ve got to stop, too.
Don’t be a trickster either. Bicyclists are required to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all time.
If you’re involved in an accident, you’re required to stop and provide your info — just like if you were in a motor vehicle.
It’s also important to remember that all children under the age of 14 are required to wear an approved helmet whenever riding a bicycle. You also want to make sure it’s fitting correctly — their safety relies on it.
Lastly, bicyclists are urged to remember what it takes to ride safely. In the state, you’re required to have a bell or horn, working brakes, a red taillight, a white headlight, reflective tires or spoke reflectors or another kind of reflective device and you’re only allowed to carry one person on your bicycle.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, contact Nicholas Rose for a free consultation to discuss your rights. Call 1-877-313-7673.
More Blog Entries:
NYC Traffic Safety: Tips for Biking and Walking in Winter, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, January 8, 2013
Boulevard of Death Catches Bicycling Advocates’ Attention, New York Injury Lawyer Blog, October 8, 2012
