Articles Posted in Bicycle Accidents

Just a week ago, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced it is discussing higher fares for travelers. That doesn’t excite Boston residents, and many more are expected to turn to bicycles to get around. Residents are urged to be careful when hitting the roadways, as more bicycle traffic increases risks for bicycling accidents in Massachusetts. By taking the proper safety precautions and using the new stretch of bike lanes within the city, we can all do our part to help keep all travelers safe.

Yes, biking through Boston may be a little easier now, as there’s a new stretch of bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue, according to the Boston Daily. The new stretch of bike lanes stretches all the way from Westand Avenue to the Charles River. Transportation officials nixed about 70 parking spaces to make room for the new lane.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that biking in the city can be dangerous times. Transportation officials recently put in new bicycle lanes in between Melnea Cass and St. Botolph Street. Next, they’ll be looking to connect these lanes to Massachusetts Avenue and then later to Melnea Cass. Last summer, Mayor Tom Menino launched the New Hubway bike share program and declared Boston as a biking city. Hubway offers rented bicycles for residents and visitors throughout the city.

“The car is no longer king in Boston,” Menino told the paper.

This is fifth entry of a 6-part blog regarding New Year’s resolutions that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians can take to make the roadways of Boston safer for everyone. In this entry, we will be discussing bicyclists and the resolution they can make to achieve this goal. It’s no doubt Boston was built for bikes. It’s important to make sure everyone is riding safely to help to reduce the risks of vehicle-bicycle accidents throughout the state.

To help get riders to bike safely, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is here to offer some safe bicycling tips.

Bicycle Safety Tips:

-Be cautious of the traffic around you. Roughly 1 percent of the traffic deaths in Massachusetts are bicyclists.

-Bicyclists should always follow the rules of the road.

-Always travel in the travel lane on the right. You never want to bike in between lanes.

-Be sure to stop at all stop signs and red lights. These traffic devices aren’t option for bicyclists.

-Be sure to always use turn signals and hand signals when moving through traffic,

-Ride in the same direction as other traffic. You don’t want to ride against traffic.

-You should equip your bikes with lights when riding at night.

-Avoid dooring – or being hit by a vehicle door – by staying out of the door zone. Steer clear of parked vehicles.

-Bicyclists under the age of 16-years-old are required by state law to wear a helmet. Everyone else is urged to do the same.
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Bicycle accidents in Massachusetts occur all too often. Many bicycle accidents involve a vehicle or another bicycle, or happen because of a poorly paved road or road debris getting in the way. Do you know what to do in the event of a bicycle accident in Boston or elsewhere in the state?

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers offer a complete checklist for what to do in case you find yourself in a bicycle accident. First and foremost, you want to make sure that you’re safe. If you’ve fallen, you want to make sure that you don’t move until a medically-qualified person checks you to make sure you’re not seriously injured. Beyond what needs to be done to make sure that no bones are broken and that you’re not bleeding, you’re going to want to lay there for a couple of minutes. Try not to panic, but relax to calm down and collect your thoughts.

If you or your bicycle is in harm’s way, you want to make a note of where your bicycle and you were after the accident. If there are motor vehicles involved, make a note of their location before they move clear of traffic. You’ll need this information to give to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and for law enforcement officers when you fill out a report for the accident.

If medical responders are called to the scene, do not refuse assistance unless you are absolutely positive you’re not injured. If you have the smallest of doubts, allow qualified medical assistance to help you.

Immediately following an accident:

–Identify Principals: You’re best bet is to see the driver’s licenses and registrations of people and vehicles involved in the accident. Jot down their names, driver’s license numbers, insurance companies and addresses. Try to get the same information from witnesses, too. Take note of the injuries that were suffered by other people who were involved in the accident.

–What if a driver leaves the scene?: If a driver has been involved in a collision and leaves the accident site before providing identification, he or she has broken the law. Get the license plate number if you can. Give this information to police immediately and then once again when you file an accident report.

–Check out your bicycle: Even if you think you’re ready to get back up and ride, don’t do it if your bike has been damaged. Oftentimes bicycles can be damaged beyond our knowledge and can contribute to a serious accident in the future. If you do decide to call a cab, consider grabbing a receipt for the ride as you can get reimbursed after filing a claim with the insurance company.

How to file a bicycle accident report:

-According to state law, you need to file a report within five days for an accident that injures someone or results in property damage of more than $1,000 You can grab one of these reports from a police station or on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s RMV website. When you fill out the report, make four copies and send one to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, one to the police department nearest the accident site, one to the insurance companies and keep one for yourself.
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A number of prominent state agencies have reaffirmed their continued commitment to help bicyclists and motorists share the road safely with one another. One of those organizations is MassBike, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, offering information and guidelines that may surprise you.

MassBike urges travelers throughout the state to visit the”Same Roads. Same Rules.” website for helpful resources about bicycling-related information. The website is also used to help raise awareness about the dangers that bicyclists face. Please consider taking a few minutes to get better educated about how to make traveling safer and help reduce the risks of bicycling accidents in Massachusetts.

Our Boston bike accident attorneys understand that the solution to all of our problems ultimately lies within us. With safe, cautious and considerate driving habits (both on bikes, on foot and in vehicles) we can all help make our roadways safe and fair for everyone. In addition to rules and regulations, a little common sense can go a long way as well.

Common motorist myths:

False. These signs are used most commonly when there isn’t enough space for bikers to have their own lane. This sign means that motorists should be extra cautious of bicycles. The law allows bicyclists to use up an entire lane, meaning that they can ride in the middle of your driving lane if they choose to do so. Bikers will usually accommodate the faster-moving traffic (you) and will get out of the way. They may not be able to do so right away though, so give them a little time and refrain from honking, which can startle a bicyclist.

False. New, unskilled bikers typically occupy this lane. Therefore, more experienced bikers tend to ride along the roadway. Motorists should remember though, while a biker can come into roadway lanes, it is illegal to drive or park in the bike lane if you’re in a motorized vehicle.

False. Bicycles belong in the street, as they are legally considered vehicles. Bicycles on sidewalks are much more dangerous than bicycles on roadways. In fact, roads were paved for bicyclists, and state law says it’s illegal for an adult bicyclist to ride on a sidewalk.

Since both bikes and cars and considered vehicles, they have to all follow the same rules. When riding in the road, bikers are urged to abide by all road signs and signals just as a vehicle would. This goes for right-of-way rules as well. The only variation in the rules each party much follow is where these vehicles can ride. Bicycles aren’t allowed to ride on limited access highways, etc.

We urge you to visit the “Same Road. Same Rules.” website. There are some rules and information that may surprise you. It’s important to remember that everyone is required to follow the same road rules and should do so considerately and compassionately.

The other agencies partnering with MassBike on the Same Roads. Same Rules. website are: the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); the Department of Conservation and Recreation; Department of Public Health; and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security Continue reading

On our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, we recently told you about the top 200 most dangerous areas in the state for pedestrians. Throughout this blog entry we will be discussing the most dangerous areas for bicycling accidents in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), areas near Hampshire Street, Beacon Street, Kirkland Street and Cambridge Street made up the most dangerous cluster for bicyclists in the state.

Our Cambridge pedestrian accident attorneys understand that this area has seen more than 100 bicycling accidents from 2002 to 2009, resulting in injuries to more than 70 bicyclists. The second most dangerous cluster for these types of accidents was the area of Cambridge Street between Lansdowne Street and Hancock Street. In this area, nearly 80 bicycling accidents injured nearly 50 bicyclists during the same time period.

Officials are most worried about child bicyclists since the school year has recently begun. Officers ask that parents talk with their bicycling students to help ensure they are commuting safely to and from school. We urge you to teach them of the importance of making eye contact with drivers as they’re approaching and crossing intersections. They should also understand the need to continually examine their surroundings as they’re crossing the street. Children need to be as predictable and as visible as possible. Make motorists aware of their presence.

“Make sure your child is age-appropriate to walk to school by themself,” said Cambridge Deputy Police Superintendent Jack Albert, according to a recent ABC5 report.

It is important for parents to help their child to figure out the safest route to school. Parents are urged to locate the intersections that have crossing guards to help ensure your little bicyclist’s safety. Young travelers are always safest using the instruction of a crossing guard.

The state compiled a list of the most dangerous intersections in terms of frequency of accidents and the number of people injured and killed in accidents. Many of these intersection “clusters” have been the site of a number of accidents.

The third most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Hudson Street and Milton Street.

-More than 60 bicycling accidents.

-Nearly 50 injured bicyclists.

The fourth most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Vassar Street and Blanche Street
-Nearly 50 bicycling accidents.

-Nearly 30 bicycling injuries.

The fifth most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Bow Street and Sellers Street.

-30 bicycling accidents.

-20 bicycling injuries.

Many of these accidents can be avoided if everyone does their part to take notice of one another. Bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road as well and should be treated as equal travelers. As we continue to promote the eco-friendly, active way to commute through the area, we also have to promote safe driving habits and ask motorists to keep an eye out for our two-wheeled travelers.
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We recently discussed on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog the 7th annual Hub On Wheels 2011 event.

This all-day event is put on by the Governor of Boston to help raise awareness about the presence of riders in our area to help decrease their risks of a bicycling accident in Boston and elsewhere throughout the state.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 25th. The main focus of the event is the bike ride, which starts and finishes on City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston. Riders can choose the 10-, the 30- or the 50-mile route. During the ride, bicyclists will be able to enjoy the Boston Harbor, a number of historic neighborhoods and a vehicle-free Storrow Drive. A complete map of the racing route can be found on the event’s website.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers urge all residents to come out and enjoy the festivities for the Hub On Wheels event. We also ask everyone, both riders and motorists, to be cautious of one another on our roadways. Safe and alert driving/bicycling skills are one of the most effective ways to prevent a fatal accident on our roadways.

Participants are urged to head on over to the Hub on Wheels registration website to sign up now for the riding event.

During the same weekend, Boston residents will have a chance to watch the third annual TD Bank Mayor’s Cup Professional Criterium race as well. National bicycling champions, a number of Olympic cyclists and more than 200 other profession bike racers will be participating in this event. This race will take place at Government Center and racers will be competing for $40,000 in cash prizes. In this race, residents will be able to watch hundreds of professional bikers speed around the course at high speeds.

The fun doesn’t end there. The event will also host the Boloco Block Party, which will be going on all day.

Residents are urged to come down to City Hall Plaza on the 25th to enjoy music, food and informational displays and demonstrations. Parents can bring along children as the event will also host the second annual mascot race and the kids’ race. This race is open to all bicyclists age 2- to 9-years-old.

Residents are also asked to volunteer for the Hub On Wheels event. It’s a great opportunity to give back to the community and help to raise awareness about the number of bicyclists on our roadways.

We look forward to seeing everyone out at this year’s event and ask that you invite your friends. Remember that bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists, therefore should be treated as equal travelers. With cautious and alert driving habits, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of these oftentimes fatal accidents.
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Boston is endorsing a new type of transportation for enjoyable summer travel — bikes! The New Balance Hubway, named after the athletic company, is the city’s new bike-sharing program. It was recently launched at City Hall Plaza. New Balance is a lead sponsor of the bicycle program. Mayor Thomas M. Menino presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The city looks to use bicycling as a way to reduce roadway congestion and to urge residents to get out and be active, but they warn riders to still be cautious in their travels to avoid a bicycling accident in Boston.

“Over the past four years, we have taken great strides toward making Boston a city that welcomes and encourages bicycling but this innovative bike share system may be the most significant step yet,” Menino said in a recent statement. He said officials were confident there is “no better time to make Hubway a reality.”

Our Massachusetts bicycle accident attorneys would like to tell you a little bit about the new program. New Balance Hubway consists of more than 60 kiosks that are set up around the city that allow would-be bicyclers to rent one of 610 bikes. When a rider is done using the bicycle, all they have to do is return it to any Hubway kiosk.

In celebration of the Hubway launch, registered Hubway members and employees of Hubway sponsors rode 200 of the bikes around the city.

Looking to rent a bike from Hubway?:

-A bike will cost you $5 for a 24-hour period.

-You can also rent a bike for a three-day period for only $12.

-An annual Hubway membership costs $85.

-Fees are added for rides longer than 30 minutes.

Bicyclists are urged to be cautious on their rented bikes when traveling among motor vehicles. Here are some important safety tips to help keep you safe:

-Make sure that you ride with traffic, never against it.

-Obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. Cyclists are also required to come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, just like motor vehicles.

-Never ride on expressways, drives, highways or interstate routes unless authorized by signs.

-Always ride predictably. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of an accident with a vehicle.

-Make eye contact with drivers before changing lanes or making a turn. Make sure that drivers see you before making a turn or crossing in front of them.

-Be on the lookout for open car doors. Always be prepared for the possibility of a car opening in your path.

-Wear brightly colored clothing to remain visible. During the evening hours, use reflective materials and lights.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 650 bicyclists killed because of motor-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009 alone. Another 51,000 were injured in these incidents. Massachusetts witnessed nearly 10 bicyclist deaths during that same year.
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During the summer months, bicyclists of all kind hit our roadways to enjoy the season’s warm weather and some outdoor excitement. What many bicyclists don’t take into consideration is their increased risk of being involved in a Massachusetts bicycle accident.

Brookline Police have already made nearly 450 bicycle stops and have issued more than 20 citations to bicyclists that have been ignoring bicycle laws. The increased enforcement is to help raise awareness about the importance of bicycle safety during the remaining weeks of the summer.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that most of these bicycle stops have only resulted in verbal warnings, but we believe that the increased enforcement efforts can truly help to reduce the number of serious and fatal bicycle accident. Bicyclists who continue to ignore bicycle laws could soon face tickets, fines or even serious accidents. Still, enforcing the laws for motorists would be a better use of time and resources; the vast majority of serious and fatal Massachusetts cycling accidents are the fault of negligent motorists.

“They wanted to share the road and unfortunately they have to share the violations too,” said Officer Fred Amendola.

As biking becomes more and more popular in the Boston area, many safety advocates are calling for more road-sharing etiquette and crackdowns on bicycle-law breakers.

“Obey all traffic laws including stops signs, traffic lights, and other traffic controls. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles,” states the The Brookline Town website.

Some important bicycle laws are as follows, according to Mass Bike:

-Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.

-Bicyclists must give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.

-Bicyclists must ride astride a regular, permanent seat that is attached to your bicycle.

-Your bicycle’s brakes must be good enough to bring you to a stop, from a speed of 15 mph, within 30 feet of braking. This distance assumes a dry, clean, hard, level surface.

-Bicyclists must keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.

-Bicyclists must notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.

-Bicyclists that are 16 years old or younger must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.

-You may not modify your bike so that your hands are higher than your shoulders when gripping the handlebars.

-You are not permitted to carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.

-You are not allowed to carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.

If you are caught violating any of these laws, you can face a fine of up to $20. Parents and guardians are responsible for cyclists that are under the age of 18. If you violate these laws, your bike can be impounded by the police or town selectmen for up to 15 days.
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