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 today at 877-327-2600.