As summer sets in and the days grow longer, our roads come alive with cyclists—commuters, recreational riders, fitness enthusiasts, and families enjoying the outdoors. While biking is a healthy and eco-friendly mode of transportation, it also comes with serious risks—especially when motorists forget that the road is a shared space.
As a personal injury attorney, I’ve represented clients who suffered life-altering injuries in accidents that could have been prevented with just a moment of caution. These cases are sobering reminders of how fragile a cyclist’s protection is when faced with a two-ton vehicle.
The Summer Surge in Cyclists
From Memorial Day through Labor Day, we see a spike in bicycle traffic. Whether it’s tourists riding near the shore, kids biking to a friend’s house, or adults using bike lanes during their morning commute, this season means more cyclists on the road. Unfortunately, it also means a higher risk of collisions—especially when drivers aren’t paying attention or don’t know the rules.
What Causes Bicycle Accidents?
Most vehicle-bicycle crashes are the result of preventable driver errors. Common causes include:
- Failure to yield at intersections or crosswalks.
- Distracted driving, such as texting or using navigation apps.
- Unsafe passing, including driving too close or trying to “squeeze by” in narrow lanes.
- Dooring accidents, when drivers or passengers open car doors into the path of oncoming cyclists.
- Speeding, which reduces reaction time and increases the severity of injuries.
Motorists Have Legal Duties
Drivers are legally obligated to share the road and take reasonable precautions to avoid harming others—including cyclists. In many states, this includes:
- Giving at least three (3) feet of clearance when passing a cyclist.
- Checking mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
- Slowing down in areas with heavy bike traffic, schools, parks, or residential neighborhoods.
- Yielding when a cyclist has the right of way.
Ignoring these duties doesn’t just endanger lives—it can lead to civil liability if an accident occurs.
The Cost of a Crash
Unlike drivers, cyclists don’t have the protection of a steel frame, airbags, or seatbelts. When a collision happens, injuries tend to be serious: broken bones, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, or worse. Recovery can take months—or become a lifelong journey.
As a personal injury attorney, I help injured cyclists navigate the legal system to recover compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. These cases often involve complex questions of negligence, insurance coverage, and liability. But the common thread in many of them is this: the crash could have been avoided.
A Call for Awareness and Empathy
This summer, I urge every driver to slow down and stay alert. Recognize that the person on that bike could be your neighbor, your child, your friend. Treat them with the same care and respect you’d want for someone you love.
Sharing the road isn’t just a suggestion—it’s the law. More importantly, it’s the right thing to do.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a bicycle accident due to a driver’s negligence, don’t hesitate to reach out. You have rights, and we’re here to help protect them.
Need help after a bike accident?
Contact our office today for a free consultation. Your safety matters—and so does your recovery.
If the unexpected happens, you are not alone. Contact Cooper Levenson’s Personal Injury Practice today if you need assistance.
Kathleen F. Beers, Esq. handles personal injury law and can be reached at kbeers@cooperlevenson.com or (609) 572-7570.
The content of this post should not be construed as legal advice. You should consult a lawyer concerning your particular situation and any specific legal question you may have.