Bicycle Accidents.
Discussing the dynamics of sharing the road between motorists and bicyclists is crucial. Let’s delve into factors that contribute to misunderstandings and hazardous behavior:
- What stops cyclists from riding as close to the road’s edge as possible?
- Why don’t groups of bicyclists consistently ride in single or double file to minimize lane occupation?
- What leads some bicyclists to disregard rights-of-way, cycling against traffic, or on sidewalks?
Navigating shared road infrastructure can be challenging. Limited space on some roadways may cause drivers and cyclists to feel like they’re battling for territory.
Share the Road With Cyclists
It’s useful to view bicycles as slow-moving vehicles: They possess equal rights on the road, including the entitlement to occupy an entire lane when insufficient space exists for both a car and a bike to safely coexist. At intersections, drivers must yield to bicyclists as they would for fellow motorists.
Maintain a three-foot distance.
Approximately two-thirds of bicycle-related fatalities in the U.S. occur in non-intersection areas. This fact has prompted 32 states—including Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah—to mandate a minimum of three feet between motor vehicles and bicyclists when overtaking, even if the cyclist is within a designated bike lane. When driving above 25 MPH or during inclement weather, allow even more room. In Texas, drivers must change lanes when passing a cyclist if multiple lanes are available in the same direction.
- Be vigilant about blind spots.
- Learn to recognize hand signals.
- Refrain from honking.
- Pay attention to bike lanes.
- Exercise patience.
Keep and Eye Out for Children
Kids riding bikes can be hard to predict, so it’s important to keep a good distance between your vehicle and them. When you go by a child biking on the sidewalk, try to move a bit more towards the center of the road if it’s safe to do so, and stay watchful for any indication that they might suddenly change direction and come your way.
When you see a child riding their bike on the road ahead, it’s really important to be careful if you have to go around them. Little kids often don’t check their surroundings or signal before they make a turn. If possible, the best thing to do is to hang back and wait until they change direction before you pass them.
When you’re stopped at a red light or waiting to turn, make sure you don’t block the crosswalk. If you do, kids may have to ride around your vehicle, which could put them in danger of oncoming traffic. It’s also really important to keep an eye out for kids riding their bikes, especially in school zones, near parks, and in neighborhoods.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident involving a motor vehicle, contact the Law Office of Brian Brunson, PLLC. Our knowledgeable team will help assess your case and determine how to best help you.
