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Avoiding Bicycle Accidents: 6 Tips to Help

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at 844SeeMike.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

 

When it comes to bicycle accidents on the roads, there are several that occur each year that can lead to devastation and death for the bicycler. According to the Illinois Secretary of State, in 2011 alone, there were 27 people who were killed in bicycle accidents, while nationally there were 677 people killed. Most of these accidents happened between 4 pm and 8 pm at night, while 69% of these fatalities happened in what is considered urban areas, and 37% of these accidents did involve the use of alcohol by at least one party involved in the accident.

Though riding a bicycle is a great form of exercise, is safe for the environment and can be a fun activity, motorists and bicyclists need to keep in mind that they must share the road. There are a few things that motorists and bicyclists can utilize in order to help prevent an accident from occurring.

1. For motorists, Illinois law states that there must be a minimum of 3 feet between your car and a bicycle when passing it.
2. Bicyclists do have to use the road when traveling, as the state of Illinois has made this the law. Bicyclists are not going to be using the side walk, thus motorists need to realize this and share the road appropriately.
3. Bicyclists should follow the same rules of the road as motorists, which does include using signals when turning.
4. Riders should always stay on the right 1/3 of the road, yet move over if needed when traffic is heavy. However, according to state law, a bicycle cannot leave the roadway and use the sidewalk.
5. Always wear a helmet to add some protection to your body, and be sure that you use a small rear view mirror on your handlebars or even attached to your helmet to see what is coming up behind you.
6. Bicyclists can ride in pairs while on the road, though it is recommended that you only do this when traffic is not near. If traffic becomes an issue, for the safety of everyone, bicyclists should drop down to single riders.

If you have been injured in an accident, contact 844 See Mike, at 312-224-4695 for a free consultation. We are a Chicago personal injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.

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