Bike Safety

As gas prices soar to unprecedented heights, leaving people reluctant to fill their tanks and empty their wallets, alternative modes of transportation are becoming increasingly popular. A great, economical way to get to work (and get in some exercise at the same time) is riding a bike. As not all motorists may be tagging along with this thrifty transportation trend, you as a cyclist should be aware of the laws meant to keep both riders and drivers safe.

As a cyclist your bike is considered a vehicle and belongs on the road. You not only have a right to ride on the streets the way cars do, but Wisconsin law stipulates that sidewalk riding is illegal lest local governments specify otherwise. Act as a legal vehicle operator, because you are one.

General Riding Guidelines

Your bike is a vehicle, so you, like all the other motorists, must move in the traffic flow direction. Three is the magic number when it comes to the safe distance (in feet) you should keep from the curb, parked cars, and other vehicles on the road. This is to prevent accidents where a rider crashes into an open car door or is knocked off their bike by an opening one.

In narrow traffic lanes, ride behind automobiles in the center of the lane. For wider lanes, stick to riding in between the traffic and the curb. Be cautious of left turning motorists, they tend to claim to not see cyclists who are riding straight in the opposite direction.

Riders’ Rights

The law considers your bike as a vehicle, and as such, you are entitled to recover damages for injuries suffered by you and your bike due a crash caused by a motorist. You have the right to be on the road, and motorists must respect that right. A driver not seeing you or believing that your bike does not belong in 5 o’clock gridlock does not excuse them of liability.

If you are a cyclist who has been involved in a collision with an automobile, contact the Appleton bicycle accident lawyers of Habush, Habush, & Rottier S.C. at 800-472-9334 to discuss your case and legal options.