Simple Safety Tips for Los Angeles Cyclists

 Image Source: http://la.streetsblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/11_2_09_times_bike.jpg

Using bicycle as a means of transportation provides notable health benefits. However, despite its advantages, there are still imminent dangers in cycling, especially on busy highways. 

According to statistics, at least 43,000 bicyclists were injured and 698 were killed due to bike accidents in 2007. During the same year, a total of 109 California cyclists were involved in fatal traffic accidents.

The following are other alarming data on bicycle accidents:   

• •    The average age of bikers killed in road accidents in 2007 was 40
• •    Males are more likely to get involved in bike accidents compared to female bikers
• •    15 percent of those killed due to bicycle accidents in 2007 were under the age of 16
• •    At least 28 percent of those injured bikers in 2007 were aged under 16-years-old
• •    The average age of cyclists injured in bike accidents was 30

Bicyclists are commonly at risk of getting involved in accidents due to road hazards. Because of relatively thin and unsteady body frame of bicycles, sudden changes in the road surface can instantly result in abrupt accident. The common road hazards that post threat to cyclists include potholes, sewer grates, and railroad tracks.

Another problem bikers face while on road is the intersections. At intersections, motorists tend to overlook or ignore the presence of cyclists. So here are some helpful tips for bikers to avoid getting involved in an accident at intersections:

Increase visibility – Bikers are urged to wear bright-colored clothing and to install front and rear lamps on their bikes to get easily get noticed by other road users.

Stay on bike lane – In states like California, there are designated roadways for bikers. Cyclists should avoid using lanes specified for motor vehicles

Ride defensively – Bikers should always take notice of road hazards and motor vehicles while cycling to anticipate any accident and to do necessary preemptive measures

In case you got involved in a bicycle accident due to the negligence of a motorist, you have the right to claim for monetary compensations. However, asserting for compensation claims are usually complicated, which is why it is advisable that you consult with a Los Angeles accident attorney to learn the correct legal procedures to follow.

Points You Need to Know if You Are a Bicyclist

Image Source: http://media.oregonlive.com/

Bicycles, like any other means of transportation, are susceptible to road accidents. In California, thousands of bicyclists get injured or killed each year due to bicycle-related accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority, in 2009 alone, 99 California bicyclists were killed due to traffic accidents.

Even if a person survived a bicycle accident in California, he or she is still not free from physical injuries. Commonly, bicycle accident victims sustain various bodily injuries like traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury (SCI), multiple fractured bones, severe bruises and lacerations, and road rash.

There are various reasons why bicycle accidents happen in California. According to road safety researches, the following are the most common causes of bicycle accidents in the State:

•    Road debris and hazards
•    Riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs
•    Motor vehicle driver’s failure to notice the bicyclist
•    Bicyclist’s failure to use designated bicycle lanes

California bicycle riders are advised to follow these safety measures to avoid fatal bicycle accidents:

Use designated bicycle lanes – Bicyclists must utilize bicycle lanes as much as possible because motor vehicle drivers can easily notice them if they are using such lanes.

Do not ride on sidewalks – Cycling on sidewalks can put the rider’s life in much danger because drivers who are pulling their vehicles out from a parking lot or driveway cannot immediately notice them.

Do not drink and ride – Bicyclists should never ride intoxicated because alcohol can impair their senses and make them vulnerable to road accidents.

Wear a helmet – In California, bicycle riders under the age of 18 are required to wear their helmet when riding. Older bicyclists must also wear helmet for their safety even though they are not required to do so.

Wear bright-colored outfit – Wearing bright-colored clothing can make bicyclists noticeable while on road, greatly eliminating the chances of getting hit by a motorist.

If you are a California bicyclist and you get hit by a car, you are advised to accomplish these procedures:

•    Promptly seek medical attention
•    Report the incident to the police
•    Take photos of the accident scene, as well as your injuries
•    Get the driver’s personal and contact information
•    Contact a personal injury attorney

California bicycle accident victims are advised by Los Angeles attorneys to file a personal injury lawsuit against liable individual or group of people involved. Successfully filing an injury claim can warrant victims to receive different types of compensatory damages like pain and suffering damages, loss of income damages, and medical treatment damages.

Quick Review of California Bicycle Law

Image Reference: http://doloresparklaw.com/

 
Bicyclists in California have rights and responsibilities just like any other motor vehicle drivers. However, despite this, some bike riders in the State are not fully aware of their rights and liabilities under the law, and because of this, accidents occur. It is a must for any biker to ensure his or her safety on the road, and one way to do it is to understand the law governing bicyclists.

Bicycle Lanes Are Your Friend

California is one of the states with most number and longest bicycle lanes in the country. Efficient use of bike lanes can lessen the cases of bicycle accidents in the State. As defined by the California Driver Handbook, a bike lane “is shown by a solid white line along either side of the street, four or more feet from the curb. The white line will usually be broken near the corner and the words “BIKE LANE” will be painted in the lane.”

Bike lanes are considered to be the safe haven of bicyclists when in roadways which is why they need to use it properly in order to avoid any traffic mishap. Consequently, it is a must for motor vehicle operators to recognize and respect bike lanes so as to avoid causing accidents.

The following are the eminent responsibilities of vehicle drivers concerning bicycle lanes as determined by California traffic laws:

• Consider designated bike lanes as other regular traffic lanes
• If there is a biker on the bike lane, never turn into the lane
• Never obstruct or block bicycle traffic by lessening the required width for bike passage
• Leave enough space for bicyclists in order to avoid traffic collisions
• Look out for bicyclists passing through before opening car doors
• Allow sufficient clearance and room for bikers’ movement

Your Responsibilities As A California Biker

Bikers have the responsibility to ensure their and other road users’ safety. According to California Driver Handbook, the following are the responsibilities of bicycle riders:

1. Ride efficiently – This includes riding the appropriate bicycle and riding responsibly. Bikers must only ride a bicycle that is well-maintained and free from any malfunctions. Furthermore, bicyclists must never ride under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs as per VC 21200.5.

2. Wear helmet – Under VC 21212, riders under the age of 18 are legally required to wear their bicycle helmets when riding. Adult bikers are also strongly advised by authorities and Los Angeles lawyers to wear helmet to avoid head injuries when an accident occur.

3. Be visible – Typically, motor vehicle drivers cannot visibly notice bicyclists when on roadway. Because of this, it is a must for riders to be visible. Bicyclists are advised to wear bright colored clothing and to install bike lamps.