The League of American Bicyclists just issued a press release regarding the U.S. Department of Transportation’s disregard for bicycle safety. This disturbing news involves a new traffic safety proposal that doesn’t include specific targets or goals for reducing the number of bicyclists and pedestrians killed on U.S. roadways. Recently, 700 people contacted their congress members during the National Bike Summit. Participants asked members of congress to sign a critical bill that would require the U.S. Department of Transportation to establish a specific target to improve the safety of cyclists and pedestrians.

Bicycle Crash Info

Even though only about one percent of all trips taken in the United States are by bicycle, cyclists have a much higher risk for crash-related injury and death when compared with occupants of traditional motor vehicles.

Just the Facts

• In 2010, nearly 800 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes.
• An estimated 515,000 emergency room visits were due to bicycle-related injuries in 2010.
• Most cyclist deaths occur in urban areas and at non-intersection areas.
• Children, adolescents and young adults have the highest rates of nonfatal bicycle injuries.
• Male cyclists are more likely to be killed or injured on bicycles than their female counterparts.

Keeping Cyclists Safe

There are a number of safety precautions that cyclists can take to improve their overall safety when traveling the roadways in Southwest Florida. Ultimately, it’s up to drivers to look out for bicycle riders and pedestrians. Keeping bicyclists and pedestrians alive means sharing the road properly. Expect cyclists everywhere. Don’t get comfortable when you’re in bumper-to-bumper traffic or slow speed limit areas. Even hitting a cyclist or pedestrian at relatively lows speeds can cause devastating or fatal injuries. Always give cyclists plenty of room, and put down the phone. Driving distracted is a sure way to injure or kill a cyclist.

What Can You Do?

If you think cyclist and pedestrian safety issues are top priorities, you can ask your members of Congress to sign on to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Act: HR 3494/ S 1708. Additionally, keep up with the latest cyclist news at the League of American Bicyclist’s page for updates. If you or a loved one has been struck by a car while riding a bicycle or walking, contact the experienced team at Weldon & Rothman, PL today at (239) 262-2141 for a free consultation.

Legal Disclaimer: The above guidelines are educational in nature and do not create an attorney/client relationship. It is highly recommended that all Florida accident victims contact an experienced local Florida personal injury attorney to assist them with specific facts and circumstances regarding their motor vehicle accident. If you have been the victim of a motor vehicle accident in Florida, then feel free to contact Attorney Weldon toll free at (877) 730-5180 or via e-mail atinfo@weldonrothman.com

Richard L. Weldon, II is an experienced Florida personal injury attorney who has obtained the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. He is the managing attorney of Weldon & Rothman, PL – a Southwest Florida law firm with offices in Naples, Fort Myers, and Sarasota.