Bicyclists Beware!
Cycling Might Be More Dangerous Than You Think
On a crisp, fall weekend, what better way to exercise than to enjoy a bike ride on one of the Hudson Valley’s scenic roads. But what bicyclists need to know is that with the exception of motorcycles, bikes can be a very dangerous means to travel.
Bike deaths are on the rise across the United States, as reflected by an alarming statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which found that you are twice as likely to suffer serious injury while riding a bike than when driving a car, per trip. Much of the problem arises from motorists who are carelessly driving, including driver inattention, failing to yield, and speeding.
Recent Cycling Accidents near Westchester County
In June, a beloved father was struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding his bicycle along Laurel Road. The victim was hit from behind and thrown from his bike, resulting in “five fractures in his spine,” according to News 12 Westchester.
On the newly minted pedestrian-bike path of the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, a cyclist was seriously injured when she was side-swiped by another cyclist, forcing her into the wall. The pathway that connects Westchester and Rockland counties is supposed to provide a safe option for cycling enthusiasts and pedestrians. Still, some argue that the lanes are too narrow, as reported by CBS New York.
Just this past August, over one weekend in Westchester County, two separate crashes left one cyclist dead and another seriously injured. In Pound Ridge, a 70-year-old man was killed when he was struck by a van. The day after the fatal death, a bicyclist was critically injured after colliding with a driver in Yorktown. The driver fled the scene of the accident. The victim was taken to a nearby hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries, as noted in an article by the Yorktown News.
Despite state and federal efforts to increase safety for cyclists, hundreds of people are killed every year while riding their bikes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 pedal cyclists were killed in 2018 nationwide, accounting for 2.3% of traffic fatalities for the year.
Annually, bicyclists make up a disproportionate number of those hurt and killed in traffic accidents each year. Many of these accidents are completely preventable with increased awareness and safety measures.
Injured in a Bicycling Accident? Contact Denlea & Carton
Biking continues to be a great way to exercise and explore your surroundings, but remember to stay safe! If you are injured in a bicycling accident, contact Denlea & Carton at (914) 873-1404 to speak directly with an experienced attorney.
Our attorneys have recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements on behalf of those injured in Westchester County and the surrounding areas. We are committed to providing accident victims with the dedicated representation they need to get the compensation they deserve.
Find out how we can help by calling our office or filling out our online contact form for a free consultation.