Biking Safely

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Riding with traffic, riding single-file, signaling turns — all these are good habits of safe biking. In addition, bicyclists under age 14 are required by law to wear a helmet when biking or when riding as a passenger. But it is the smart biker who wears a helmet regardless of age. A properly fitted helmet can protect your skull and prevent or minimize damage to your brain.

Here are some alarming statistics about bicycle accidents:

  • There were 6,019 bicyclist-motor vehicle crashes in 2011 in New York State.
  • Close to 60 people died in bicycle accidents
  • Cyclists and pedestrians are being injured or killed every 35 hours in New York City

A recent accident involved a Brooklyn bicyclist who suffered critical injury in a hit-and-run accident. The bicyclist suffered severe head trauma, an injury that is all too common in bicycle accidents. Those who ride in the congested paths of New York City are particularly at risk for collisions; many of them are caused when a motorist opens a door and the cyclist tumbles over it.

The Vehicle and Traffic Law requires drivers to exercise due care to avoid having a collision with those who are cycling and to sound a horn when necessary to avoid an accident. Those who are injured in a biking accident due to negligence may wish to file a lawsuit to collect compensation for injuries suffered.

May is Bicycle Safety Month. Try to stay safe out there. But if you are the victim of an accident caused by a negligent driver, contact a skilled attorney as soon as you can. You deserve fair compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering.