Sharing the Road With Cyclists

In today’s difficult economy, with high gas prices and increased awareness of environmental issues, more and more people are choosing to bike for recreation or to commute from one place to the next. However, bicycling can be dangerous and may even be fatal for cyclists, including those who follow proper safety procedures and traffic laws. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Commission show that about 700 cyclists are killed in collisions with cars each year and make up 2 percent of all traffic fatalities. Ultimately, the safety of the cyclist is dependent on the actions of the drivers around him.

Often, cyclists report reckless and aggressive behavior exhibited by drivers, including:

• Abruptly swerving around the cyclist.
• Pulling the vehicle intentionally close to the cyclist.
• Slamming on brakes in front of the cyclist.
• Racing the cyclist.
• Cutting off a cyclist by moving into the bike lane or abruptly turning right.
• Parking in a bike lane.
• Throwing glass bottles, trash, and other objects at the cyclist.
• Shouting obscenities at the cyclist.

These types of actions are a direct and deliberate threat to the life of a cyclist and can have deadly consequences.

It is important to remember that cyclists have a right to the road. In a collision between a motor vehicle and a bicycle, the cyclist is likely to suffer serious and even fatal injuries. Do your part to keep everyone on the road safe by keeping an eye out for bicycles and treating everyone on the road with courtesy and basic respect.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car collision, contact the Rhinelander car accident attorneys of Habush Habush & Rottier S.C. ® at 800-242-2874.