Bicycle Accidents

December 1, 2024

Lights Brigade: MassBike and Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers Advocating For Bicyclist Safety

The Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, MassBike, has advocated for safer and more accessible cycling since 1977. For over four decades, we have led the charge to improve conditions on our roads, paths, and trails, meeting the needs of our riders to encourage everyday riding.

We have successfully supported the passage of a new law on road safety, which had been making its way through the state house for almost a decade. It was known as the An Act to Reduce Traffic Fatalities. The law designates “vulnerable users” on our roadways as a special protected class for people on foot, on bikes, on horses, doing roadside repairs, and on farm equipment, all of whom are sharing our public ways with drivers of automobiles. This legislation, with its clear regulations and forthcoming amendments, is a significant step towards ensuring the safety of all road users. It essentially clarifies the need for drivers to give people space and patience to keep our fellow road users safe.

The bill’s name matches the goals for systemic changes, and we have focused on preventing incidents. As in, we intend to stop a crash before it happens. Specifics of the law now require motorists passing vulnerable road users to provide at least 4 feet of space, allowing drivers to legally cross a double yellow line to do so as long as they drive safely and within the speed limit. The law also mandates that large trucks owned or leased by the Commonwealth must have side guards between the front and rear wheels, convex mirrors, and backup cameras to improve driver awareness. Additionally, this legislation adds red rear lights, the required rear reflector, and a front white light for bicyclists riding at night.

June 11, 2024

10 New Miles of Bike Lanes and the Push for Bicycle Safety in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Boston, a city renowned for its historic charm and bustling urban landscape, is embarking on an ambitious project to transform its streets. The city has announced plans to add 10 new miles of bike lanes, marking a significant step towards creating a more bike-friendly environment. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance public safety. Among the many advocates for this project is Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, a firm dedicated to supporting bicycle riding and ensuring the safety of cyclists on Boston’s roads.

The Vision for a Bike-Friendly Boston

Boston’s plan to expand its bike lane network is a response to the growing demand for safer, more accessible cycling infrastructure. The city’s streets have long been dominated by cars, making it challenging for cyclists to navigate safely. The introduction of these new bike lanes aims to change that dynamic, providing dedicated spaces for cyclists and encouraging more residents to consider biking as a viable mode of transportation.

January 19, 2024

The Most Dangerous States for Bicyclists and Motorcyclists

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

At Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, our commitment to the safety and rights of bicyclists and motorcyclists is a defining element of our mission. Recognizing the unique challenges these road users face, we dedicate ourselves to an in-depth analysis of traffic data, accident reports, and safety studies. This isn’t just about providing legal representation; it’s about a comprehensive understanding and mitigation of the risks our clients face daily. Our approach goes beyond the courtroom, aiming to develop strategies that protect and advocate for the well-being of bicyclists and motorcyclists.

This commitment is exemplified by our attention to studies like the recent analysis by Anidjar & Levine, which reviewed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data on fatal crashes involving two-wheeled vehicles. By understanding these regional trends and the specific challenges bicyclists and motorcyclists face, we can tailor our legal strategies effectively. This focus on data enhances our ability to provide robust legal representation and underscores our dedication to fostering safer roads for all bicyclists and motorcyclists.

The Startling Statistics

August 30, 2021

CDC Report Finds Bicycle-Related Fatalities Are on the Rise

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries has determined that more adults are dying in bicycle crashes.

Notably, the study, which analyzed data from 2009 to 2018, also found that:

Doctors treated approximately 600,000 individuals for bicycle-related traumatic brain injuries in hospital emergency rooms in the United States.

June 16, 2021

National Bike Month

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

May is National Bike Month, and it’s being celebrated in Boston and other cities and towns across the country.

The initiative includes challenges and events that highlight the benefits of bicycling to encourage more people to give bicycling a try, regardless of whether they are riding a bicycle to commute to work or with their families for fun and fitness.

Like the group says on its website: “Life is better for everyone when more people ride bikes.”

October 16, 2020

How to Bike Safely During the Pandemic

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Whether you have recently taken up biking during the pandemic or are a seasoned pro, the bicycling lawyers at the Law Offices of Jeffrey S. Glassman have some safety tips for biking in the age of coronavirus.

The coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. Because people are working from home and not going out as much as they once did, the roads around Boston and other cities around the country have experienced a drop in traffic.

Across Massachusetts, there has been a 20% decrease in vehicles on the road when compared to last year with Boston showing a drop of nearly 50%.

With less congested roadways coupled with public transit options that make it hard to social distance, people are looking for new ways to get around and stay in shape. This has to create a boom in bicycling. Experienced bicyclists are taking to the streets more often while those new to biking are going out and buying new bikes and gear. In fact, many big-box department stores are sold out of bikes while local bike shops are reporting a surge in sales. Some have even compared bicycles to toilet paper, which was in high demand at the beginning of the pandemic. Continue reading

June 13, 2018

Bicycle Accident at Temple Place

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 12, the Boston Police Department received information about an injury accident involving a bicycle and a vehicle. Initial reports stated that the accident involved injury to the cyclist. This accident was reported to police around 7:10 in the evening and emergency personnel were sent to the scene quickly after hearing the news.

Officer Amanda Kennedy was one of the first people to arrive at the scene, and she took statements from those involved in the accident as well as from witnesses. The injured cyclist was given medical care, but the extent of their injury is still under review. However, no fatalities were reported. Police are still investigating the cause of the accident and whether the cyclist or vehicle was at fault. Traffic was directed around the scene and was cleared within the hour.

Injuries and Bicycle Accidents

June 13, 2018

Bike Accident on Centre Street

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 12, the Boston Police Department received a report of a vehicle accident involving one vehicle and one bicycle. The accident was reported to the police department at approximately 4:50 in the evening, and emergency responders were sent to the scene quickly afterwards.

Once arriving at the scene of the accident, it was discovered that one individual, the person on the bike, had been injured in the collision. First responders administer medical care to this person, and they were transported to a nearby hospital. Their current condition is still under review.

Officer Selena Farley was one of the officers to arrive at the scene, and she took statements from those involved as well as witnesses. No fatalities were reported, and the driver remained on the scene.

June 12, 2018

Bike Accident on Congress Street

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

On June 11, an accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle was reported to the Boston Police Department. The police received a report of the incident that occurred around 10:15 in the morning. Emergency authorities including police and fire crews were sent to the area quickly afterward. The accident occurred on Congress Street in Boston.

Officer William Hull was one of the first to arrive at the scene and other emergency personnel arrived shortly afterward as support. First responders found that the cyclist had been injured in the accident, and medical care was given to this individual. The extent of their injuries is still being determined. No fatalities were reported in this incident. The area was secured and the accident cleared within the hour.

Injuries and Bicycle Accidents

June 10, 2018

Bike Accident on Ruggles Street

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Accidents involving bicycles can be especially devastating as bicyclists are not protected by a vehicle. While bicyclists often wear protective gear like helmets, they are still vulnerable parties on the road and impact with a vehicle can be deadly. Drivers must keep in mind that they share the road with bicyclists and need to remain aware of them.

On June 10, an accident involving a vehicle and a bicycle was reported to the Boston Police Department. Police received a report of the incident around 9:30 in the morning. The accident occurred on 160 Ruggles Street.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene quickly. On arriving, first responders found that the accident had caused injury to the bicyclist. Medical care was administered at the scene. The extent of their injuries is still being determined. However, no fatalities were reported.