Bicyclists are a common sight throughout Brooklyn. Those who choose to bike through the borough can have an exhilarating experience, but that sometimes involves a bit of chaos. There are risks around every corner in Brooklyn. Some of which include double-parked vehicles, distracted pedestrians and aggressive drivers.
Riders have to be constantly alert, but they’re not the only ones who are responsible for the safety of bicyclists here. Drivers have to do their part, and cyclists can suffer catastrophic injuries when drivers fail to uphold that duty.
Blocked bike lanes
Brooklyn has invested heavily in bike infrastructure that includes dedicated bike lanes over the years, but not all lanes are created equal. Some are protected, while others are just painted suggestions. Delivery vehicles, ride-share cars and moving vans are also notorious for stopping in bike lanes, forcing riders into traffic.
Risk of dooring
Dooring, when a parked car’s door opens into a cyclist’s path without warning, is a serious hazard. It happens quickly and can cause major injuries. Staying a safe distance from parked cars can help reduce this risk, but that puts the cyclist closer or in the vehicle traffic lanes.
Bicyclists who are hit by motorists are likely going to face serious injuries, some of which could be fatal. The cost of treating those injuries can be expensive, so these victims may choose to seek compensation, which requires quick action after the crash. This can help them to get their financial damages covered, but it requires the assistance of someone familiar with these matters.