Articles Posted in Bicycle Accidents

The state of Massachusetts ranked as the 6th most bike-friendly state in the country for 2013. And we pride ourselves on this ranking.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, Massachusetts earned this ranking for good reason. Out of a scale of 1 to 5, we got a 4 for our bicycle policies and programs. While not the best, we are far from the worst. We earned a 3 ranking for our legislation and enforcement, education and encouragement as well as for evaluation and planning.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that we’re not at the top yet, and it’s long road (or bicycle path) to get there. According to researchers, there are some simple steps that could help us to make our area safer for our cycling friends.

-Lawmakers should consider adopting a safe passing law with a minimum distance of 3 feet to address bicycle safety.

-Look into getting a tougher vulnerable road user law that increases penalties for motorists that injure or kill a bicyclist or pedestrian.

-There should be a law allowing transportation agencies to post 20 mph or lower speed limits under certain circumstances.

-State lawmakers should look into enacting a statewide, all-ages cell phone law for drivers to combat distracted driving and increase safety for everyone.

-There should be a policy requiring state official buildings, state parks, recreation facilities and other state facilities to provide bicycle parking.

-Since arterial and collector roads are the backbone of every transportation network, it is essential to provide adequate bicycle facilities along these roads. Increase the percentage of state highway network that has paved shoulders or bike lanes greater or equal to 4 feet wide.

-The state of Massachusetts is spending a low amount of federal funding on bicyclists and pedestrians. Adopt a federal funding protect rating criteria that provides incentives for bicycle projects and accommodations.

-Create a state bicycle rider’s manual to ensure bicyclists have a pocket guide for rules of the road, relevant laws, state bike route and other necessary information.

-Hold a bicycle ride sponsored by the governor and/or legislation to show their constituents that their elected officials support bicycle riding.

In 2011, there were close to 10 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in the state of Massachusetts. According to the latest release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these fatalities accounted for close to 2 percent of all of the roadway fatalities recorded throughout the state that year.

And don’t forget that we’re in the middle of National Bike Month. According to The League of American Bicyclists, there are ways that we can all do our part to ensure that bicyclists have a voice out there and that we’re properly protected.

The truth is that bicyclists have a right to our roadways, too. Make sure you’re respecting these rights and looking out for our two-wheeled friends. And bicyclists — be safe out there. We can’t rely on the safe driving habits of other to keep us safe. Stay one step ahead of the traffic around you and stay out of the danger zone.
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In December of this year, a Boston University graduate student was killed in a bicycle accident at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and St. Paul Street in Boston. According to Boston’s NPR news station, a ghost bike was placed at the intersection where the accident occurred.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys believe that ghost bikes serve a very important purpose both in honoring the dead and in reminding the public about the need for greater bike safety measures. Ghost bikes draw attention to the rights of cyclists to travel safely and remind passing motorists that they need to respect bicycle riders who they share the road with.

Ghost Bike Honors BU Student Killed in Bike Accident
The ghost bike that was set up to honor the BU student killed in the Boston accident is an all-white bicycle that has been described as a “touching yet sad reminder” of the accident at the intersection. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer collided with the bike. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

One BU worker expressed approval of the white bike and its placement, indicating that it was an honorific tribute to the Boston student who was killed in the bicycle accident. The BU worker also indicated that he believed it was both a memorial and a statement that something needs to be done because cars and bicycles haven’t yet learned to co-exist peacefully in Boston.

The ghost bike is not the first of its kind to be used both as a memorial and as a message that greater efforts need to be made to improve the ways in which bicycle riders and drivers share the roads. The first ghost bike was seen in St Louis, MO in 2003 and more than 500 bikes have now been placed around the world in locations near bicycle accidents. Typically, bikes are put into place by family members, friends or other cyclists.

Improving Bicycle Safety
Ghost bikes help to drive home the message that there are very real consequences when a bicycle accident occurs. Tragically, in many cases, the bike rider suffers fatal injuries because the bike provides so little protection from impact.

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that more bike riders are falling victim to fatalities than in the past. In fact, the 2011 National Highway Safety Administration statistics indicate that there was an 8.7 percent increase from 2010 to 2011 in the number of bicycle accident deaths.

Efforts are currently underway in Boston to address the safety risks that bicycle riders face. Boston.com, for example, mentioned the Boston Bikes Program that encompasses efforts to educate the public, enforce bike safety laws and increase ridership.

These efforts go a long way towards trying to reduce the number of fatalities, but as this recent bike accident and the rising death counts show, there is more to do in order for bike riders to truly be safe when they cycle on the roads of Boston. Until that work is done, the ghost bikes serve as a reminder of the cost that comes with insufficient bike safety laws.
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Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer broke his right collarbone after being involved in a Cambridge bicycle accident. He was using the holiday weekend to enjoy some two-wheeled fun in the summer weather when he fell from his bike.

This isn’t the first time Mr. Breyer has been involved in an accident while riding his bike in the area. Back in 1993, the former Harvard law professor was hit by a motor vehicle while he was riding his bicycle across Harvard Square in Cambridge, according to Reuters.

Bicycle accidents of all kinds can result in serious injury — even death. Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers recognize the dangers of riding a bicycle is our area and ask that all bicyclists practice extra caution when traveling through the area on two wheels. With summer here, more and more bicyclists will be hitting the pavement to enjoy the beautiful weather. All riders are asked to ride with caution and abide by all bicycle laws.

Bicyclists in Massachusetts are asked to follow these state bicycling laws:

-Riders will use audible warning for other bicyclists and pedestrians. Sirens and whistles are prohibited, however.

-Be sure to park your bike on a sidewalk, but do not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

-Lights will be used on your bicycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

-Reflectors should also be visible on your bicycle.

-Handlebars are not to be raised above the riders shoulder height.

-All bikes must be equipped with a working brake system.

-Cargo is to be carried in a proper basket, rack, trailer or any other device manufactured for this purpose.

-Riders are to travel with the flow of traffic and should not ride more than 2 abreast.

-If a bicyclist is involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage that result in costs of more than $100, a bicyclist must contact the police in writing on a Cambridge Police Bicycle accident report
-All riders 16-years-old and younger are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet while riding on a public way.

-Remember that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks. A bicyclist must yield to pedestrians in all traffic situations.

-All bicyclists are to obey all of the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This includes laws associated with red lights, stop signs, and riding with traffic.

-A bicyclist should not be towed by any other vehicle. This includes all cars and any other moving vehicles.

-Bicyclists in all areas of the City of Cambridge a bicyclist, while riding on the sidewalk, will not ride at a speed “greater than a normal walk.”

A complete list of bike paths in Cambridge can be found on the Bikely website.
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May is Bike Month and for the second year in a row a North End business started the month off by hosting a kickoff event. Earlier this month, Urban AdvenTours, various other local businesses and bicycling groups gathered along the waterfront in Christopher Columbus Park as they enjoyed an afternoon of local music, free food and bike-related activities. The activities and the entire month is used to raise awareness about bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere in the United States.

“Last year we had tricycle races. I think we’re going to do something similar this year,” said Baylor Bennett, manager of the bike shop and bicycle tour provider. “There’ll be vendors giving out food and beverages.”

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that with springtime, many bicyclists will be hitting the paths and trails to enjoy prime pedaling season. As our residents and tourists do so, we urge everyone to be extra cautious this season as the increased traffic flow can also increase your risks of an accident.

In addition to helping to raise awareness, bicyclists are able to check out the latest technology and advancements in the biking world. Many are urged to grab their bike and even join a tour group.

According to Bennett, last year’s event was less successful than it could have been because during the same time of the event the area suffered a catastrophic break of a 10-foot-diameter pipe in Weston. The breakage caused all of Greater Boston to be put under a boil order.

“A lot of food and drink vendors couldn’t show up,” Bennett said. “So last year, I think we had closer to six or seven vendors, versus this year we have the full 15.”

As local reports show no major water pipes broken and the weather forecast calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures, Bennett is hopeful that this year’s event will be larger and better than the year before.

“Of course it’s right on the waterfront, which is gorgeous, and all the flowers are blooming right now, so the park couldn’t be better looking,” he said.

Bicyclists are always urged to ride with heightened alertness to their surroundings as they’re oftentimes overlooked by motorists. More than 600 bicyclists were killed, and an additional 51,000 injured, in motor vehicle accidents in 2009. These deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities and accounted for 2 percent of all injuries from traffic accidents in the same year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Massachusetts suffered nearly 10 bicyclist fatalities in 2009 as a result of motor vehicles.

A complete list of Boston bike paths can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website.
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