Sharing the Road with Cyclists

In a world that is more and more concerned with being “green” and countering the high prices of gas, the number of people commuting to work and school on a bicycle has been steadily increasing. This means that situations where motorists and cyclists must share the road are becoming more common, especially in urban areas. This can create a very dangerous environment, unless all parties are very careful and take measures to ensure their own safety and the safety of others.

Tips for Cyclists:

These are some things cyclists can do to make sure they are protecting themselves from the dangers of the road:

• Wear a helmet.
• If riding after dark, use bright front and rear lights.
• Ride in the right lane.
• Take advantage of marked bike lanes.
• Follow all traffic laws and regulations.

Tips for Drivers:

Motorists need to take special care to avoid seriously injuring cyclists:

• Do not follow cyclists too closely.
• Check and double check your passenger-side blind spot before taking a right turn.
• When parking on the street, check your mirrors before opening your door.
• Make sure to leave plenty of room when passing a cyclist and completely change lanes if at all possible.
• Never drive or park in a bike line.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a bicycle and car, it is important to know the details of applicable laws. For experienced, knowledgeable legal counsel, contact the Des Moines car accident attorneys of LaMarca & Landry, P.C. today at 877-327-2600.