Cyclists have a right to the road and should be treated with respect. Often, motorists don’t understand cyclist rights, and it can be unsafe. This is why it’s important for cyclists to be familiar with their rights and how to protect themselves. Here are the most common things a cyclist needs to know when it comes to safety on the road.
1. Cyclists have the right of way in crosswalks.
A bicyclist has the same right to use the road as a motorist. That means that when a cyclist is riding in a crosswalk, they have the right of way over cars and other motor vehicles. This also means that bicyclists should take extra care when crossing a busy street or intersection because they may not have as many opportunities to stop as a vehicle would. Cyclists should ensure they are visible to drivers by wearing bright clothing and making eye contact before entering an intersection or traveling on a road. It is also a good idea to carry a bike bell and/or air horn to alert drivers that the cyclist is nearby.
2. Cyclists should follow the same traffic laws as other vehicles.
Just like a car driver, a cyclist must follow all the same traffic laws and signs as other vehicles. This includes stopping at red lights and stop signs, not cycling while intoxicated, and ensuring they wear a helmet whenever they ride a bike.
3. Cyclists can’t park their bikes on sidewalks.
While it’s fine for a cyclist to bike on the sidewalk if there is no bike lane available, cyclists are not allowed to park their bikes on the sidewalk. This means that a cyclist should stop at a bike rack or wait until they reach a designated parking area before parking their bike. If a cyclist needs to leave the bike temporarily, they can either leave it unlocked on the bike rack or secure it using a U-lock, cable lock, or another device to ensure that it can’t be stolen.
4. Cyclists are required to obey all traffic signals and signs.
Cycling is subject to the same traffic laws as other motor vehicles, which means cyclists must obey all traffic signals and signs. This includes obeying stop signs and traffic lights, staying in the proper lane of traffic, and staying on the right side of the road. Cyclists are also required to use hand signals to indicate when they will change lanes or turn, and they should always stop at red lights and stop signs. Failure to follow these rules may result in a ticket or a traffic violation.
5. Cyclists can ride two abreast in a single lane of traffic only when a bike lane is available.
Bicyclists can ride side by side in a single lane of traffic as long as a bike lane is available. When there is no bike lane available, cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast in a single lane of traffic, but they must stay out of the rightmost lane of traffic and avoid overtaking vehicles. It’s important to note that cyclists cannot ride on the shoulders of the road because bikes are not allowed in that area
Why It Is Important To Know The Rules
If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation from the at-fault party. However, to receive this compensation, you will need to prove that the other party was negligent and that they caused your injuries. In order to prove negligence, you will need to show that the other individual acted unreasonably and you were injured as a result. For example, if a driver runs a red light and hits you, the court may find you to be partially at fault because you were riding your bike against the light. As a result, you may not receive the full amount of compensation that you deserve for your injuries.
One of the most common types of bicycle accidents is a crash between a car and a bicyclist. These accidents account for nearly one-third of all bicycle-related deaths each year. In addition, many of these accidents are caused by careless drivers who are distracted and not paying attention to their surroundings. By knowing the rules of the road, you can reduce your risk of being involved in a bicycle accident. Hiring a personal injury lawyer may be your best option if you’ve been injured in an accident.
An experienced lawyer can help you file a claim against the responsible party and collect compensation for your medical expenses and other damages. Contact your local personal injury attorney today for more information.
A personal injury attorney can review your case and help you determine if you have a case. They can also explain the legal process to you and help you protect your rights as an injured victim.
