“Bike Cleveland” and the Rights of Cleveland Bicyclists
Bike Cleveland is a non-profit organization that represents over a thousand members and more than 30 local businesses. Their mission is to make the Greater Cleveland area more connected, sustainable, healthy, and vibrant by advocating for bicycle safety and equitable transportation for everyone. The organization was created in 2011 when a group of local business owners, bicyclists, and community stakeholders gathered to discuss their goals and vision for Cleveland’s future.
What Motorists Must Do to Keep Bicyclists Safe
Bike Cleveland made the area safer for bicyclists over the past ten years, adding 105 miles of new bicycle lanes and trails to the city’s infrastructure. There are also some actions motorists must take to safely share the road with bicyclists in Cleveland:
- Obey the speed limits. By maintaining a safe speed, motorists can help prevent bicycle accidents.
- Expect to see bicyclists on the road and understand they have the same rights as drivers.
- Leave plenty of room, and never tailgate a bicyclist. A rear-end accident with a bicyclist could be fatal.
- Motorists should not use any electronic devices, such as a cellphone, while driving. It is distracting and could cause an accident.
How Bicyclists Can Stay Safe
There are also certain safety practices bicyclists should employ while sharing the road with cars. Doing so could help prevent a catastrophic or fatal accident from occurring. These are some safety practices bicyclists should keep in mind:
- Always wear a helmet. Helmets may not be able to prevent all head injuries, but they could reduce the potential severity of one.
- Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Do not wear headphones or an earpiece. It is important for bicyclists to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
- Be ready to yield at all times. Although motorists should yield to bicyclists, they may not always do so, which is why it is important to be able to stop at a moment’s notice.
- Do not ever pass on the right.
- Obey the rules of the road. Bicyclists have the same rights as other motorists and are expected to follow the same rules.
How Motorists Endanger Bicyclists
Bicycle accidents can be caused by any number of factors. These serious incidents are often caused by drivers not safely sharing the road with bicyclists. Since bicycles are no match for any vehicle, bicyclists can sustain serious, life-altering injuries in an accident. These are some of the most common accidents that occur when motorists endanger bicyclists:
- Rear-end accidents happen when drivers follow bicyclists too closely, not leaving enough space for a sudden stop.
- Parked cars are also a danger to bicyclists. If someone in the vehicle opens their door as a bicyclist is passing, it could result in a “dooring” accident.
- Right-hook collisions are also common. These accidents occur when a bicyclist travels on the right side of the road, and a driver passes them on the left, turning right into the bicyclist.
- Aggressive driving practices also endanger bicyclists, which is why it is essential for drivers to keep their cool.
Were You Injured in a Cleveland Bicycle Accident?
If you were badly injured in a bicycle accident caused by a reckless or negligent driver, George Mineff, Jr., Attorney at Law is here to help you navigate your Cleveland personal injury case. Partners George Mineff, Jr. and George Mineff III are a father-son-duo dedicated to providing exceptional legal counsel and support.
You may be coping with staggering expenses as a result of this terrible incident, but you shouldn’t have to pay for injuries and losses that weren’t your fault. Our experienced Cleveland bike accident attorneys will provide a custom-tailored case assessment and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Call (216) 621-3930 for a free consultation today. Let us handle the legal process so that you can focus on recovery.