New York City’s Citi Bike bike-share program kicked off recently, and in the first three days over 20,000 bike trips covering more than 57,000 miles were made. So far, more than 20,000 people have signed up to share bicycles with the city, significantly increasing the number of bicyclists on city streets, thereby increasing the risk of bicycle accidents.
In fact, three days after the program launched, it experienced its first accident. One of the city’s blue bikes was hit at the intersection of MacDougal St. and Houston St. in the West Village. A cyclist in his mid-20s was hit by an SUV. Initial reports indicate that the cyclist was at fault.
According to BusinessInsider.com, the bicyclist was trying to “beat” a light when he was struck by a 2013 Toyota SUV. He was thrown from the bike and into the windshield. The driver of the SUV had a green light at the time.
While the accident resembled countless others on NYC streets, the cyclist did not suffer life-threatening injuries. The city says that despite concerns about safety in relation to the Citi Bike system, the risk of serious injury among cyclists has dropped 73% from 2000 to 2011. This increase in safety has come at a time when the prevalence of cyclists is also increasing, signifying a greater awareness among cyclists and drivers alike.
Whether you ride a Citi Bike or your own bicycle, whether you are on NYC streets or the streets of surrounding suburbs, safety is important. Even if you are a driver that frequently shares the road with cyclists, being aware of the bicycle rules-of-the-road can keep you and those cyclists out of harm’s way.
When a bike and a car or SUV collide, the motorist usually suffers far less. In other words, the injuries suffered by a cyclist are likely to be more severe than the injuries suffered by the motorist. Still, a motorist can be hurt in a bicycle accident, too.
When an accident involving a bicycle happens, whoever is at fault can be held responsible for the results. If a motorist hits you and you were obeying the rules of the road, he or she can be held responsible for the injuries you’ve suffered as well as the related costs. The attorneys with Ginarte may be able to help.
New Jersey and New York Accident Lawyers
The accident attorneys of Ginarte Law Firm help people who have been injured in accidents. From bicycle accidents to car wrecks, if you are hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, we may be able to help you, too. Contact our office today to discuss your case. Call (888) GINARTE now.