Cyclistlaw has successfully handled a wide range of personal injury cases for bicycle riders who have every much a right to the road as the motorist whose negligence can sometimes cause them great harm.
If you’ve been in a bicycle accident, don’t wait. Consult the experts at Cyclistlaw.
It’s a terrible reality to one of the most enjoyable activities. When a rider is injured in a bicycle accident or suffers a bike crash picking up the pieces and knowing what to do next is crucial. From the site of the crash to the hospital, getting home, getting follow-up medical care, and returning to work are all key to successfully overcoming the trauma of the bicycle accident.
Like motorcycle riders, bicycle riders experience prejudice in our car-centric society. They also face drivers who don’t notice them or who are downright hostile to sharing the road with them. Here in Austin, increased competition for space on the streets can make just getting around town on a bicycle an intimidating experience.
As part of both the motorcycling and bicycling communities, Lenore knows exactly what to look for in litigating a case like yours and how to navigate your claim with the insurance company. She knows the behavior of other road users and what it’s really like for riders when they’re dealing with inattentive or even hostile motorists. This firsthand knowledge makes Cyclistlaw a bike accident and injury law firm that can advocate powerfully for you.
Bicycle Safety in Austin
Register Your Bike
Registering your bike with the Austin Police Department will help you recover it if it’s ever stolen. If you ride your bicycle on the University of Texas campus, you have to register it there, too.
Understand the Laws
Two key rules to know: Bicycle riders are not permitted to ride on most downtown sidewalks, and helmets are required for riders under 18.
IMPORTANT STATE LAWS
- Same rules of the road as other vehicle operators (TTC§551.101)
- 3 feet for cars to pass cyclists and 6 feet for trucks to pass cyclists (§12-1-35)
- Must have white light in front and red reflector in back, lumens enough to see for 500 feet (TTC551.104(b))
- Fixed gear and flip-flop hub bikes must have brakes capable of skid (TTC§ 551.104(a))
- Ride as near the curb (3-foot cushion between you and curb recommended) as is safe to do so in same direction as other traffic (TTX§551.103)
- Riders can ride two abreast when not impeding flow of traffic (TTC§551.103(c))
- Use hand signals (TTC§545.107)
Remember: Drivers aren’t looking. When vehicles exit private driveways onto sidewalks, drivers often fail to look for bicycle riders and walkers.
Don’t Get ‘Doored’
If a driver swings open a door without looking and hits you, you could be seriously injured or killed. It’s not always possible, but try to keep 4 to 5 feet between you and car doors that could open and hit you. Where bikes are allowed full use of traffic lanes, move closer to the center of the lane and away from cars parked on the shoulder to create a buffer zone.
Report Road Rage
Stop and contact police with identifying information about any vehicle operated by an aggressive driver.
Inspect Your Bike
Regularly check the brakes, tires, wheel alignment, seat, handlebars, axle nuts and bearings, and your bike chain. Adjust, replace or tighten things as necessary. If you aren’t sure how to do this, stop by a local bike shop and ask them to help you.
Shine a Light
For those late night or early-morning rides, make sure your bike is equipped with lights. And remember your extra batteries, brightly colored clothing and reflective gear.
Consider the Case for Helmets
While they are not a perfect solution, it is important for riders and cyclists to consider the use of and potential safety benefits of helmets while riding. For example, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) informs us that in 58 percent of motorcyclists killed in 2015 were not wearing helmets in states without universal helmet laws–a stark contrast to only 8 percent figure in states with universal helmet laws. Helmets may not prevent injury, but they are certainly useful safety tools for both riders and cyclists.
Stow Your Stuff
Hands-free ordinances apply to cyclists. Keep your gear in a carrier or backback.
Important Links for Bicyclists
2. WHEN BUYING A HARLEY DAVIDSON, WHERE IS AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT KIND
3. KIRK WATSON’S BILL SB 275 JUST PASSED THE SENATE. ONWARD THROUGH THE HOUSE
4. HOUSTON BIKE SHARE PROGRAM- MAYBE FATTEST CITY NO MORE
5. CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS, AUSTIN, TEXAS
6. WACO FERTILIZER PLANT EXPLOSION- UNKNOWN DEATH TOLL AND INJURIES TOO MANY TO COUNT
7. MARCH OF SORROW REMEMBERING LIVES LOST TO DWI
8. MOVEABILITY AUSTIN ARTICLE FOR BIKE MONTH FEATURING OUR CRASH APP
9. YOU HAVE BEEN IN A BIKE CRASH IN AUSTIN. NOW WHAT?
10. AUSTIN RIDE OF SILENCE 2013 PFLUGER BIKE AND PED BRIDGE AT 6:30 PM