Articles Posted in Bicycle Accidents

Many communities have launched initiatives to create bicycle lanes and bicycle paths in order to help prevent bicycle accidents. Bicycle paths are usually in parks and green spaces and in many cases bicyclists share the paths with pedestrians but not with cars. These paths allow even less experienced bicyclists to ride in an area without any car traffic. Bicycle lanes, on the other hand, allow bicyclists to share the road with vehicles by creating a separate space on the road for bicyclists. These lanes are for bicyclists only and ensure that drivers of other vehicles know to expect bicyclists in that area of the road.

As bicycles become more popular for transportation and recreation, many communities are considering additional bicycle paths and bicycle lanes. However, can these initiatives help prevent South Miami bicycle accidents? Some people believe so, noting that bicycle paths and lanes keep car traffic and bicycle traffic apart, ensuring that much larger passenger vehicles cannot collide with bicycles as easily. Bicycle paths and lanes also ensure that bicyclists of all experience levels have a chance to hone their skills before sharing the road with traffic.

Not everyone agrees that bicycle lanes and paths will reduce the number of South Miami traffic accidents involving bicycles. Some argue that bicycle lanes, for example, do not keep bicycles far enough away from cars. In many cases, cars can easily move into bicycle lanes and still cause serious South Miami bicycle accidents. And, of course, bicyclists often bicycle along city streets to get to bicycle paths. Since there are so many streets and relatively fewer bicycle-only lanes and paths, bicyclists still need to spend a considerable amount of time sharing road space with larger vehicles.

It is important to note that bicycle lanes and paths alone will not prevent South Miami car accidents involving bicycles. Bicyclists still need to take precautions to prevent accidents. Even in bicycle lanes, for example, bicyclists need to watch out for cars, stay visible, and be prepared for traffic that does not share the road correctly. On bicycle paths in parks, bicyclists are at risk of South Miami pedestrian accidents and collisions with in-line skaters as well as others who are sharing the path. Staying alert and anticipating any hazards can help prevent these mishaps.

While bicycle lanes and paths help bicyclists share urban spaces more safely, they cannot replace common sense and good bicycle skills. Whether a road has a bicycle lane or not, motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians all have a role to play in keeping South Miami safe.

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Fixed-gear bicycles are very trendy right now, but some safety experts caution that the bicycles could lead to more bicycle accidents. Fixies, as they are sometimes known, are bicycles with no changeable gears and one speed. Fixed-gear bicycles are different from traditional bicycles because they lack a free wheel. This means that the pedals of the fixie move while the bicycle is in motion, preventing bicyclists from coasting.

Of special concern to safety experts is the fact that some bicyclists riding fixies do not use brakes because the bicycles come to a stop soon after the bicyclist stops pedaling. Than Chen Munn of the Safe Cycling Task Force feels that bicyclists on fixies are more prone to running red lights because the bicycles have no brakes and are therefore harder to control than traditional bicycles. He is especially concerned because fixies are popular among younger bicyclists, who already have less experience on bikes and may be more vulnerable to accidents. These features could easily lead to Davie bicycle accidents if a bicyclist runs a red light and causes a Davie car accident.

Doctors are also concerned that fixies could lead to many other Davie personal injuries, not just those caused by Davie traffic accidents. Since the bicycles have no brakes, bicyclists on fixies generally stop the bicycle by using their feet and legs to stop the motion of the bicycle. According to some doctors and physiotherapists, this can cause damage to the feet and legs, and especially to the ligaments. Bicyclists who are riding fast and attempt to stop with their legs are especially vulnerable to damaged ligaments.

So far, there have been few serious reported accidents involving fixies, but experienced bicyclists and safety experts are concerned, especially with the popularity of fixies skyrocketing over the past two years. Experienced bicyclists as well as the Safe Cycling Task Force recommend that bicyclists who buy fixies get to know the bicycle first and understand its mechanics first. Gaining experience in a secure environment – such as on low-risk bike trails with no traffic – is a good idea at first. Bicyclists may also wish to consider having more than one bicycle – a fixie for lower-risk conditions and a traditional bicycle for riding on streets with traffic. Having a bicycle with multiple gears and brakes is important when sharing the road with cars and vehicles, since a bicycle with brakes gives bicyclists more control over the motion of the bike.

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Bicycling is a great form of exercise and when it is used as a means of transportation, it benefits the entire community. Using a bicycle rather than a car reduces traffic congestion, promotes healthy exercise, helps fight obesity, and reduces vehicle emissions. Unfortunately, Miami has a bad reputation among some bicyclists due to the number of fatal Miami traffic accidents involving bicyclists that take place each year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are many things that can be done to help prevent Miami bicycle accidents:

1) Always wear a helmet when you hop on your bicycle. According to the NHTSA, wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of serious Miami brain injuries by as much as 85-88%. It can also save your life, since brain injuries are one of the leading causes of fatalities in bicycle accidents. However, it is not enough to simply throw on a helmet. The helmet must be properly fitted and correctly worn each time. As well, the NHTSA recommends getting a helmet that is clearly labeled as meeting the standards established by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

2) Always use the right bicycle. Make sure that your bicycle is correctly fitted to you, as a bicycle that is too large or too small will be harder for you to control easily. Adjust the seat if you need to get a better fit. As well, check your bicycle regularly to ensure that it is safe to ride and in good condition. Problems with the brakes or tires can cause an accident, so visit a good bicycle shop regularly or learn to tune up your own bike.

3) Follow the rules of the road. On the street, you are considered a regular vehicle when you are on the road, so you must follow all traffic signals and signs, just like any other car. In addition, you need to be certain that you signal as needed to let other drivers know where you are turning.

4) Choose where you ride your bike carefully. Busy streets can be dangerous, but so can off-road and hilly areas. Consider parks in your area or bicycle paths, if they are available. If you decide to bicycle on a sidewalk to avoid a busy road, be aware that you will need to be extra alert so that you do not cause a Miami pedestrian collision.

5) Stay alert. Avoid wearing headphones, listening to music, or using a mobile device while on your bike. You will not be able to perceive dangers ahead of you and you may not hear important auditory cues (such as beeping or trucks backing up) as you ride. Avoid riding your bicycle under the influence – it can make you susceptible to Miami traffic accidents. Keep your entire focus on the road when you ride to stay safe.

6) Make it easy for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists to avoid a collision with you. Stay visible by wearing reflecting clothing and by ensuring that your bicycle is equipped with reflectors and a light. When riding, make eye contact with drivers and with pedestrians to ensure that they can see you. Use signals to ensure that drivers know when you are turning or changing lanes. As well, ensure that you drive in a way that is predictable to others who share the road with you. If you are biking on a road, that means traveling with the flow of traffic, on the farthest right-hand side of traffic.

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Much has been written in recent years about the dangers of distracted driving. Indeed, distracted driving is blamed on many Florida car accidents and traffic accidents each year. However, bicyclists also need to use caution when riding distracted, according to police. There are many distractions that can contribute to Florida bicycle accidents:

1) Riding with headphones. Listening to music or any audio while riding a bicycle can isolate a biker and make it difficult or impossible for the biker to pick up important audio clues – such as the flow of traffic or car horns. Using headphones is very dangerous and can cause a traffic accident. While many bicyclists use music to drown out the noise of traffic with headphones, police note that the noise of traffic is often an important clue that can help bicyclists avoid a collision.

2) Visual obstructions. Anything that blocks a bicyclist’s vision is a distraction and a danger because a bicyclist concentrating on poor visibility is not focusing on traffic. Long hair, poorly fitted bicycle helmets, and poorly fitted glasses or sunglasses can all contribute to visibility problems and distractions. A good helmet is vital, because it can help keep hair out of the face and can provide improved visibility while also providing the best protection possible against brain injuries. Good helmets also can be used in conjunction with specially-fitted glasses or sunglasses. These are less likely to slip and also provide protection against glare or debris.

3) Mobile devices. While Florida does not currently have a texting while driving or riding ban, there is little doubt that bicyclists should not be texting or talking on their phones while riding. Using a mobile device takes your mind off the road and causes you to ride with one hand, which provides less control of your bike if you need to act suddenly to prevent a traffic crash or Florida pedestrian accident. Using a mobile device also causes bicyclists to take their eyes off the road, which is dangerous. Finally, talking and riding at the same time has the same effect as wearing headphones – it isolates bicyclists from the important audio clues of traffic.

4) Poorly fitted clothing. It is important to always wear proper and correctly fitted clothing when riding. Loose clothing can get caught in the gears while uncomfortable clothing can cause you to lose focus on riding, as it is a distraction. Shoes are especially important, since incorrect shoes can make it easy for your feet to slip off the pedals, causing you to lose control of the bike.

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When it comes to Florida car accidents, many experts agree that good signage can help prevent accidents by alerting drivers to upcoming hazards and obstacles. However, does the same logic about good signage hold true when trying to prevent Florida bicycle accidents? The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has suggested removing 40% of bicycle signs in Longboat Key, a move that bicyclists claim is dangerous for their safety.

The Town Commission has been receiving letters from both residents and bicyclists about the bicycle signs. Some residents feel that the signs make the area less attractive, while some bicyclists believe that the signs are vital for their safety. Police Chief Al Hogle has stated that staying alert is more important than signage and agrees with the suggestion to reduce signs.

Bicyclists point out that Florida already has a high rate of bicycle accidents. In the last five years, there have been 35 Longboat Key car accidents involving bicycles. Another Florida community, Lakeland, has actually increased its signage for bicycle safety, adding several ‘3 Feet — It’s the Law’ signs near areas popular with bicyclists. Longboat Key bicyclists say they would like to see a similar commitment from their community.

Under Florida law [(Sections 316.003(2), (10) and 316.2065(1), F.S.)], bicycles are essentially treated much the same way as any vehicles on the road. Bicyclists must obey traffic rules as well as regulations for bicycles. Opponents of additional bicycle signage note that car drivers are not given additional signage in order to stay safe.

According to the FDOT, there are 99 sign posts with 126 signs related to bicycles in the areas in question in Longboat Key. The FDOT has proposed reducing the signs to 55 separate posts and 94 signs related to bicycles along the same area. Under the proposed changes, the signs would be one mile apart and areas which are considered an especial risk to Longboat Key bicyclists would have a maximum of 16 signs.

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While Florida weather makes the state ideal for bicycling, Florida has unfortunately received a reputation as a bike-unfriendly place and in fact rates of Florida bicycle accidents are higher than the national average. Law enforcement agencies and safety groups are trying to change that with awareness programs and new legislation, but according to the FMCSA (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), cyclists can also help in the effort by:

1) Always wearing a helmet. Bicycle accidents are a leading cause of Florida brain injuries and serious brain injuries are a common cause of fatalities in bicycle accidents. According to experts and the FMCSA, wearing a helmet is one of the most important things a bicyclists can do to protect themselves against harm in an accident.

2) Making sure their bicycle and brakes are in good working condition before every ride. Bicycles are faster and can move more flexibly than other vehicles on the road. In many cases, your ability to stop in time or get away can mean the difference between a collision and a close call, so make sure your bicycle is in good enough shape to get you out of danger quickly.

3) Doing what they can to be visible. Reflective decals on bikes, lights, and reflective clothing can help other drivers see you and notice you, which makes the roads safer for everyone.

4) Staying alert. It is important for bikers to assume that no one can see them. Even if you are signaling with your hands, keep in mind that other vehicles may not see you. Drive defensively and never do anything that compromises your concentration or your focus on the road. Don’t bike if you have been drinking, if you are tired or unwell, or if you plan to use a texting device while riding. Never listen to music while riding. Always place your full concentration on the traffic around you.

5) Going with traffic. Bike on the right side, with traffic. Stick to bike trails where you can, especially if you are not a confident biker. If you must ride on a road, staying with the traffic allows you to see and respond to signage and traffic lights.

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Florida leads the nation in fatal bicycle accidents. Florida bicycle accidents happen all too often and often lead to life-threatening and fatal injuries, such as spinal cord injuries and brain injuries. Florida bicycle accidents devastate families and also cost communities a great deal in recovery costs and in stresses placed on health care and emergency response systems. Preventing Florida pedestrian and bicycle accidents makes the roads safer for everyone and benefits everyone.

Communities that are bicycle-friendly reap many benefits. When residents feel comfortable taking their bicycles on errands or on a commute, residents reap all the benefits of exercise. When communities are bicycle-friendly they also tend to be more pleasant places to spend time in. There are many ways that Florida communities can help prevent Florida bicycle accidents:

1) More green spaces for walking and bicycling. Green spaces mean fewer accidents because pedestrians and bicyclists are kept away from cars. At the same time, green spaces also promote community and outdoor activity and have a beneficial effect on the environment. Communities that create networks of trails and paths allow pedestrians and bicyclists to get to their destinations safely.

2) Create more bicycle lanes and paths. Again, keeping motorists and bicyclists apart ensures fewer Florida car accidents involving bicycles, simply because there are fewer opportunities for the two types of transportation to meet. As well, when bicycles are kept on a separate path or lane, motorists know exactly where bicyclists are, ensuring fewer “surprises.”
3) Public education. Alerting drivers and bicyclists alike to the dangers of reckless behavior is a good place to start. Motorists and bicyclists need to understand how to respect bicycle lanes and need to know how reckless behaviors often lead to Florida accidents.

4) Law enforcement. Unfortunately, education alone is often enough. Some motorists and bicyclists simply engage in risky or reckless behaviors that eventually lead to Florida car accidents and bicycle accidents. Strict enforcement of laws help ensure that such motorists and bicyclists are compelled to immediately bear the cost of their behavior.

5) Helmets and lights. According to Bicyclesafe.com, about 60% of Florida bike accidents are caused by bicyclists who choose to ride at night without adequate lights. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, brain injuries resulting from bicycle accidents could be reduced by 85% if bicyclists wore proper bicycle helmets each time they rode.

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Florida has the unfortunate distinction of being one of the top states in the nation for bicycle accidents. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 716 bicycle accident fatalities across the country in 2008. An addition 52, 000 people were injured due to bicycle accidents that same year across the US. In 2008, Florida saw 125 fatal bicycle accidents. The majority of these accidents were Florida car accidents involving bicyclists. In addition to these fatalities, many thousands of Florida brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries were caused by bicycle accidents.

In Florida, there are many risk factors and causes of bicycle accidents. In many cases, motorists do not exercise caution or fail to see a bicyclist before a collision. In some cases, motorists make left-hand turns before a bicyclists and hit the bicycle. Sometimes, street design plays a role in these accidents, with poor visibility and many blind spots for bicyclists. Some bicyclists also make mistakes – such as not using caution or signaling incorrectly – which lead to collisions.

Unfortunately for bicyclists, there is a vast inequality between cars and bicycles in a collision. In Florida bicycle accidents, drivers are generally unharmed while bicyclists often suffer fatal or life-threatening injuries. Unfortunately, many Florida bicycle accidents involve child bicyclists who are smaller and therefore more vulnerable to serious injury in these accidents.

Florida is a no-fault accident state when it comes to car accidents. This means that when a Florida car accident involving a bicycle occurs, the bicyclist can file a claim under their insurance policy to cover damages. In most cases, a bicyclist can recover about 60% of lost income and 80% of medical costs as well as some related costs. If the bicyclist does not have car insurance, he or she can receive coverage under the motorist’s car insurance.

In cases where a bicyclist has suffered a serious injury and were a motorist was at fault, the bicyclist can seek a legal claim against the driver and his or her insurance policy. Since Florida is a no-fault state, however, a good Florida personal injury attorney is required in order to prove that injury was severe and that the motorist was at fault. A good attorney can also help investigate the accident to determine whether there are other liable parties. For example, if the bicycle or car had a defect that contributed to the collision, the bicyclist can also file a Florida product liability claim to recover more lost income and medical expenses.

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