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Bicycle Accidents

With plenty of sun and warm weather, cycling has gained popularity in South Florida, especially in bicycle-friendly communities with dedicated bike lanes.  Cycling groups frequently flood the bike lanes weekdays and weekends in the early morning and late afternoon, ensuring riders an exhilarating cardiovascular workout.

Cyclists in South Florida need to be extra careful on the roadways, watch road signs, and follow traffic patterns.

In 2015, there were over 1,000 cyclist deaths and nearly 467,000 bicycle-related injuries in the United States.[1]  Out of all 50 states, Florida led the country with the highest number of bicycle fatalities. 

Wondering what you can do to help prevent an accident?  Follow these important cycling safety tips inspired by recommendations from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)[2]:

• Protect yourself with highly visible clothing and gear and a helmet that fits well
• Ride a bike that fits you and works properly
• Ensure laces are tied and clothing is not loose so that it won’t get caught in the chain
• Ride defensively by focusing on traffic and anticipating other vehicles
• Select roads with less traffic when possible; ride single file
• Follow the flow of traffic, ride predictably, and obey all road signs and signals
• Use hand signals when turning to alert other vehicles of your intentions.  Click here for signals
• Be aware that cars don’t expect traffic on the sidewalk and may not see a cyclist when pulling out.  Additionally, some communities reserve sidewalks for pedestrians and cyclists must ride on the roads.

If you’re new at cycling or looking to improve your skills, consider taking a class on riding on the road.  Learn what is considered a safe distance from other vehicles and how to maintain it.  Classes may be offered at local bike shops, local governments, or through the park system.

Drivers also need to be aware of cyclists and share the road with them.  According to the NHTSA, drivers should remember to[3]:

• Drive defensively and focus on the road
• Give cyclists ample space when approaching and passing
• Yield to cyclists to avoid cutting them off
• Take care and check surroundings for cyclists and pedestrians when backing up, parking, and at stop signs.  Stop completely at a red light or stop sign and carefully look to the right before turning since a cyclist could be coming up behind you and turning right also
• Follow all traffic signals and road signs.  If the weather conditions are wet, slow down and be cautious

Legal cases involving cycling accidents require an understanding of traffic laws, traffic patterns, cycling laws, vehicle laws, and city and state biking regulations.  If you need a reputable attorney with expertise in bicycle and motor vehicle crashes, we’re here to help.  561-447-4500

Share these tips with fellow cyclists.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For over two decades, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Sunrise

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[1] Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/bicycle/index.html

[2] National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)  https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety

[3] National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA)  https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicycle-safety