A column in The Wall Street Journal talks about how bicycling can benefit New Yorkers, especially at the time of a pandemic when most people are either working from home or avoiding mass transit in fear of contracting the virus. According to the column’s author, it is hardly surprising that people are taking to bicycles during the time of this pandemic.
Bicycle sales are skyrocketing. People who haven’t used their bicycles in decades are dusting off the cobwebs with the hope of getting back on the road. Bicycles have always made sense not just as a means to exercise, but also as a means of transportation. Many are finding this to be true in these anxious and unprecedented times.
The author says anyone can use a bicycle and it doesn’t necessarily have to be new and expensive. The bicycle you ride could be something you got in a garage sale or used. It could even be one of those E-bikes. The author says this is the time for bicyclists of all stripes to stand in solidarity because the more the public gets used to seeing bicyclists on the road, the better the experience gets for all bicyclists. There is also strength and safety in numbers. While New York City has bike paths and lanes, safety advocates say there is room for plenty of improvement.
Safety is Crucial
This is also the perfect opportunity for cities and towns to be more accommodating and respectful to bicyclists. While there has been some progress in the past 10 years or so with more bike lanes, connected networks and bike share programs, the average community is still automobile-based. Paris is one of the cities that has been at the forefront of advocating for bicyclists by investing millions of dollars into infrastructure and making bicycling a safer experience. The city of Oakland introduced its “slow streets” program closing off many miles of pavement.
In New York City, there have been reports of bicycle accident injuries during the pandemic, not just because more people are getting out there on their bikes for exercise and as an alternative means of transportation, but also because we’ve seen an increase in the number of motorists who are speeding on empty streets and driving recklessly.
It is a well-known fact that one of the predominant reasons for bicycle accidents is driver negligence (carelessness). This may occur if motorists drive while impaired, distracted or fatigued. Or, it could be because motorists are driving at an unsafe rate of speed, violating the rules of the road and/or failing to yield the right of way to bicyclists. Regardless of how a bicycle accident happens, it is almost always the bicyclist who suffers serious or even fatal injuries. It is important for drivers to be even more vigilant during these times.
Contacting an Experienced Lawyer
Injured victims of bicycle accidents may be able to seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc. In cases where victims are killed in bicycle accidents, families of deceased victims may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit seeking compensation for damages such as loss of future income, medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, or if you have lost a loved one in an auto accident caused by a negligent (careless) driver, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options, and also fight hard to recover just compensation for you.
For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have established a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses. Our law firm recently recovered $5,600,000 for a bicyclist who was hit by a van, and $2,550,000 for another victim of a truck accident, and $3,000,000 for a pedestrian who was hit by a car, and the full $1,000,000 insurance policy for a pedestrian who was hit by a truck, and $4,625,000 for a driver who was in a car and was hit by a van, and $2,500,000 for a man who fell through an improperly secured hole. Also, one of our clients obtained a verdict for $43,940,000 and another of our clients got a verdict for $23,500,000, both in medical malpractice cases.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury and medical malpractice cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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Source: https://www.wsj.com/articles/you-will-probably-ride-a-bicycle-in-2020-11590759959