Sharing the Road with Cyclists

 Posted on June 05, 2014 in Personal Injury

A recent news article reported on an organized effort in Bloomington to bring awareness to the issue of bicyclists' safety. About 200 people participated in the event, called Ride of Silence, in an effort to assert their right to share the road and remember cyclists who have been injured or killed while riding. The hope for many was that the ride would increase drivers' awareness of bicycle riders.

Purpose of the Event

Some participants dedicated their ride in the event to the memory of a friend or loved one who had been killed in an accident while riding. Others attended the event for the same reason. Event organizers said the purpose of the Ride of Silence is for cyclists to bring attention to safety issues, to symbolize that they are a part of a the road, and to honor those who have died. The ceremony is a solemn one meant to make a point.

Other organizers said the event is to remind motorists that cyclists are on the road, and that even though many drivers are in a hurry, they also need to recognize and appreciate that cyclists have a right to be on the road, too. Many drivers simply fail to see cyclists or do not expect to see them.

Staying Safe

Parties on both sides share the responsibility for making the roadways safer and avoiding accidents. Drivers must realize they are sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and others. Motorists are encouraged to leave at least three feet of passing distance between their vehicle and a cyclist, to avoid cutting in front of bicycle riders, and to take care in observing cyclists that may be in their blind spot.

Cyclists, on the other hand, are tasked with the job of obeying traffic laws, being conspicuous while riding by wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing, riding predictably and defensively, and having their bicycles priorly outfitted with safety equipment such as reflectors, a horn, and a front light visible for at least 500 feet. The community is also doing its part to improve cycling safety and awareness by constructing bike lanes.

Accident Injury Attorney

If you have been involved in a car accident and suffered injury as the result of someone else's negligence, you may have important legal rights that require protection. The attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices have successful experience representing clients in many different types of accident cases throughout the Chicago area. We can listen to the facts of your case, advise you of your rights, and work to get you a positive result.

Contact a DuPage County personal injury attorney today to schedule a consultation to discuss your matter. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices we serve clients in Cook and DuPage Counties as well as the greater surrounding area. We have offices that are located in Lombard, Bloomingdale, and Naperville.