Risky Moves by Bicycle Riders Increase the Potential for Serious Accidents

Statistics indicate that around one in three people have ridden a bicycle at least once in the last year, though many Alaskans hop on a bike far more often. Unfortunately, the data also reveals the frequency of bicycle accidents in the US. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that almost 850 riders are killed and around 49,000 victims suffer injuries in bicycle accidents annually. It is also disturbing to note that bike crashes have been on a gradual rise over the last decade, though increases in riding play a role.

When reviewing these figures, many people will point the finger at motorists for failure to exercise reasonable care behind the wheel. They overlook the fact that a bicycle rider could contribute to the crash through risky, careless acts. You could also be to blame for failing to ride safely, and an Alaska bicycle accident attorney can explain how such conduct impacts your rights. The following risky moves by bicyclists might affect your compensation when pursuing legal remedies:

 

Failure to Follow Traffic Laws

 You may not be operating a motorized vehicle, but Alaska traffic laws apply to all road users, including bicycle riders and pedestrians. When riding in traffic, you must comply with:

  • Stop signs and red lights;
  • Regulations on turning, indicating a turn, and turn lanes;
  • Prohibitions on riding your bike on sidewalks; and,
  • Right of way laws.

Lane Splitting 

This practice is often used by motorcycle riders, in which they drive between lanes of traffic that are slowed or stopped. Lane splitting is illegal in Alaska, and the prohibition includes bicyclists. You could be ticketed for riding between lanes, and your compensation might also be reduced if the accident was linked to your misconduct.

Distractions

You know the risks associated with cell phone use and driving, and the same concepts affect bicycle accidents. Texting, talking on the phone, and listening to music takes your attention away from the road while riding, just as they do when you are driving a motorized vehicle.

Distractions affect your visual, manual, and cognitive capabilities, and all of these must be focused on riding your bicycle. With bike riders, the riskiest activity involving cell phones is listening to music. You cannot hear traffic surrounding you, including horns warning you about a hazard, with earbuds on.

 

Biking While Intoxicated 

NHTSA data indicates that 25% of victims who were killed in bike crashes had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 or above – far below the legal limit that could lead to a DUI. But impairment can play a larger role in bike collisions, since balance is an issue with any two-wheeled vehicle.

Discuss Remedies With an Anchorage, AK Bicycle Accident Lawyer 

If you were hurt in a bike crash, retaining legal representation is crucial for overcoming claims that you were responsible for causing it. For more information, please contact Power & Power Law in Anchorage, Alaska. You can reach our office by calling 907-222-9990 or visiting us online. We can schedule a free case evaluation to review your circumstances and determine next steps.