Bicycle Safety Laws

It’s spring and people are dusting off their bicycles to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. But before you head out, you need to know the rules of the road when it comes to bicyclists.

Under the law, bicycles are considered vehicles just as motor vehicles are.  However bicycles should stay in the right-hand lane and as safely close to the white line as they can. Bicyclists are responsible for following all the rules of the road such as riding with traffic, stopping at stop signs and lights, and signalling correctly.

Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk can actually be extremely dangerous if the bicycle has any speed.  Cars pulling in or out of driveways may not look for traffic on the sidewalk, and a bicyclist can pose great danger to pedestrians using the sidewalks.

But car and truck drivers and bicyclists can coexist on the roadways. Cars typically ride down the road much faster than bicycles do, so it’s important to know what to expect. Be respectful of everyone on the road.  There is enough roadway to share with everyone. 

A city ordinance passed last year says there must be at least 3 feet between your vehicle and the bicycle you are passing.   If you try to squeeze by a bicyclist in one lane you may end up clipping them with your mirror and seriously injure them.

State law says you must have a headlight and a tail light on if you are riding at night.  The key is visibility.  Where brightly colored clothing, make sure all your reflectors are installed correctly. Also, wearing a helmet is always important.

If you are a cyclist and you are hit by a motor vehicle, David Greene from Greene and Phillips says you should immediately call 911 and make sure the officer on the scene fills out an accident report. You should also seek medical attention. Then you can contact an attorney.

The attorneys at Greene and Phillips have handled several bicycle and pedestrian cases. Greene says the firm has a team of experts that will investigate the details of your case and get you any money you may be entitled to.

GREENE & PHILLIPS
50 North Florida Street
Mobile, AL 36607
(251) 478-1115
http://www.greenephillips.com

Sponsored by: Greene & Phillips