Biking in New York can be an effective mode of transportation, but it can also be extremely dangerous. That’s why in this post we want to look at some of New York’s bicycling laws and what you can do to stay safe. Hopefully then you’ll be able to minimize the risk of being injured in one of these devastating accidents.
There are several laws applicable to bicyclists aimed at keeping them and motorists safe. After all, bike riders are subjected to the same obligations and responsibilities as those who drive on the road. The laws that have to be followed, then, include:
- Stopping at all stop signs and red lights.
- Riding in the same direction that traffic is flowing.
- Yielding to pedestrians.
- Only crossing a street when the “walk” sign is on.
Failing to abide by these laws can lead to a catastrophic collision. In fact, the vast majority of bicycle accidents occur at intersections where someone has failed to follow the laws mentioned above.
How can you stay safe riding in New York City
Although biking in New York can be treacherous, there are steps you can take to ensure your safety. This includes:
- Positioning yourself so that you’re more visible to the vehicles around you
- Staying out of blind spots
- Wearing some sort of light at night so that you’re more easily seen
- Staying alert and aware of your surroundings
- Avoiding being overly distracted
- Wearing proper protective gear
There are other steps you can take to avoid an unexpected collision with pedestrians. For example, you can be on the lookout for those with support animals and those who are using a walking stick to help them navigate so that you don’t collide with them or scare the animal in a way that riles them up and causes an accident. You should also slow down and give pedestrians the right of way. If you ride up on a group of people, it’s a good idea to let them know your presence so that they can make way for you and thereby reduce the risk of an accident.
By following these tips and remaining defensive, you’ll hopefully avoid a bicycle accident that leaves you seriously injured.
What if you’re riding with a child?
It’s illegal to hold your child while you’re biking. Instead, you need to ensure that your child rides in an approved child carrier seat. This will better protect them in the event of an accident. If you have older children who are able to ride on their own, then you should make sure they wear a helmet and, if they’re younger than 12, that they ride on the sidewalk. Teaching them the laws and safety tips mentioned above can go a long way toward ensuring safe riding practices, too.
What should you do if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident?
If, despite your best efforts, you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, then legal action may be necessary to find accountability and recover compensation for the harm that’s been caused to you. This will require close scrutiny of the facts of your accident, as you’ll have to successfully prove that someone else’s negligence caused your crash and thus your injuries, so make sure you have a full understanding of the evidence in play. By being thorough, though, you could build a persuasive case that leads to an outcome that’s best for you and your family.