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New York City has always had a large number of cyclists. It can be an efficient mode of transportation in a city congested with traffic. It is also excellent exercise and a great way of enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, it seems that NYC cyclists are unsafe like never before. Cyclist fatalities are on track to reach all-time highs. If you are a NYC cyclist, take care out there on the road.
New York City Cycling Deaths for 2019 Already Total Six
In March of this year 66-year-old cyclist, David Schlichting was fatally injured when he was struck by a hit and run driver. He was traveling on the south service road of the Long Island Expressway near Lake Success at 9 a.m. on a Sunday morning when a minivan hit him and then left the scene. The force of the impact threw Schlichting from his bicycle and he sustained severe head trauma. Although he was quickly transported to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. This is the sixth cycling fatality in NYC just this year meaning 2019 cycling deaths are set to far exceed the 9 cycling deaths of 2018.
A prominent fixture in the bike community of NYC, Schlichting’s death is sorely felt across the five boroughs. Advocates of safer conditions for cyclists have renewed their calls for the city to amp up the timetable for installation of bike-centric infrastructure across the city. Investing in sustainable transportation infrastructure such as protected bike lanes could be the major safety measure NYC cyclists need to help ensure their safety on the roads.
How Can Cyclists Stay Safe on the Road of New York City?
While safety is never guaranteed and accidents do happen, there are measures that cyclists can take to try and minimize the risks of the road. For instance, cyclists should always be outfitted with the proper safety gear. Safety gear will make you more visible on the road and will also protect you in the event you are in a collision. Safety gear may include:
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Reflective clothing
Properly fitted helmet
Protective clothing
Bright clothing
White front light
Red rear light
Reflectors
Make sure that your bike is the right fit for you and that it is in proper working order. Additionally, to help you remain stable while balancing on the bike, carry any items in a backpack or strapped to the back of your bike. Only one person should be riding on a bicycle seat at a time and both hands should be on the handlebars unless you are signaling to turn.
One of the best things a cyclist can do to stay safe on the road is drive defensively. This means staying alert to the movement of traffic. Make yourselves as visible as possible and always assume that a car does not properly see you. Anticipate hazardous situations ahead on your route so that you can avoid unsafe conditions such as potholes, gravel, or train tracks.
It is also, of course, important for vehicles on the road to take the proper safety measure when sharing the road with bikes. Bicycles are afforded the same rights on the road as cars. This means giving them space and not crowding them. A car must yield to a bike the same way it would another vehicle. Always check your blind spots before changing lanes.
Fighting for Bicycle Accident Injury Victims.
Cyclists have the same rights on the road as cars, trucks, and other vehicles. It is unfortunate that these rights are infringed upon all too often. If you were a cyclist injured by the negligent actions of another driver, Attorney Michael LoGiudice is here to fight for you to receive just compensation for your losses. Contact us today.