Bike Lanes in New York City’s Designated Bike Lanes Reduce the Risk of Serious Injuries

Bicycle riding throughout the streets of Manhattan can be an enjoyable way to get around New York City. You can save a lot of time and money while also reducing the amount of toxins that would otherwise be sent into the air if you opted for vehicular travel. Your cardiovascular health is also positively impacted when you choose cycling over other methods of travel. But cycling throughout our busy City, filled with scooters, e-bikes and more can also pose safety risks. Add to this drivers operating their vehicles under the influence of alcohol, drivers that text while driving and even worse and a recipe for disaster may be brewing. And recent statistics show that more than ten thousand bicycle accidents were reported in NYC in 2020, with nearly thirty of those accidents resulting in fatalities.     

Bicycling in Manhattan is Fraught with Risks

Whether you bicycle for enjoyment or to get to and from your place of employ throughout the week, there are imminent risks that you should be cognizant of. Some of the more common causes of cycling accidents in Manhattan that we have seen are:

• Intersections: Motorists maneuvering may not be aware of cyclists or may not even see them, even if equipped with reflectors, making intersections one of the most dangerous places bicyclists to navigate upon the street of Manhattan;
• Bike lane obstructions: Delivery trucks, moving vans, and others may often illegally obstruct bike lanes. In Manhattan, nobody may stop, stand, or park a vehicle in a lane that is designated for bicyclists unless they are entering or leaving a driveway, pulling in or out of a legal parking spot, complying with the lawful directives of law enforcement, avoiding roadway obstacles, or crossing an intersection. Bike lanes are meant to protect bicyclists, and should also not be used by pedestrians;
• Dooring: When riding next to parked cars, the sudden opening or closing of a car door can be disastrous for a bicyclist. Drivers are obligated to look carefully for cyclists before opening car doors, especially when the door opens into a bike lane. Failing to do so and causing an accident is often a clear on the part of the motorist.

The Benefits of Dedicated Bike Lanes in Manhattan

There is some really great news that has come out about bicycle safety in Manhattan. According to a new study from the Department of Transportation, the installation of bicycle lanes on the roadways of the City has already started to reduce Manhattan cyclist injuries by more than 30%.

According to the study, the type of bicycle lane can make a marked difference in how well it protects cyclists, as well as where it is located. Adding protected, separated bike lanes on some of the busiest streets can protect cyclists best, mitigating the risk of injury by a substantial amount. Even adding shared bike lanes, which are fully integrated with the flow of traffic, can further reduce the risk of injury by nearly 20%, the study found. Finally, on quiet streets that are not so busy, prominently marking shared bike lanes can reduce the risk of injury by more than 40%.

Taking these important steps has also caused more Manhattanites to bicycle on a much more frequent basis. And in spots where bicycle lanes have been added, ridership has increased by close to 50%. More people riding bikes means fewer cars on the streets and cleaner air, which leads to a healthier generation of New York residents.

Cycling Safety Tips for all New Yorkers

• Wear a helmet: If you are a cyclist in New York City, the best way to protect yourself in case of an injury is to wear a helmet. Bike riders 14 and under are required to wear a helmet by law. The city provides free helmets to New Yorkers, as well as fittings to ensure that they are the right size to protect you in case of an accident.
• Use signals: When sharing the road, it is important to clearly signal your intentions to drivers as well as pedestrians. Use hand signals to indicate upcoming turns, and avoid weaving in between cars.
• Be visible: Especially when biking at night or during times of low visibility, like dawn or dusk, wearing bright colors and using bicycle lights can help make you more visible on the road.
• Keep your bike maintained: Regular bicycle maintenance can ensure that important features like brakes and gears are working properly. When using bike-sharing programs, be sure to report bikes that are not working so that they can be repaired in a timely manner.

What to Do If You Are Hurt in a Manhattan Bicycling Accident due to Somone Else’s Negligence

Many times, if you have sustained severe injuries as the result of another’s negligence, with the operator of an adverse car, tractor-trailer or motorcyclist causing your injury, you will have the right to file a personal injury action against the wrongdoer. The Manhattan Bicycle Injury Attorney at Michael J. Redenburg, Esq. PC stands ready to assist victims and help them obtain the rightful compensation that they are entitled to pursuant to law.

Contact our law firm now at 212-240-9465 to schedule your free, in-office, no-obligation consultation today and learn how we can help get the Wheels of Justice spinning for You today!