Cyclist Safety and Motorist Consequences

Now that summer is in full swing, more and more bicyclists in New Jersey are dusting off their helmets and taking to the road. But despite bike lanes and road signs urging motorists to “share the road,” some drivers still fail to see cyclists.

How bad is it? According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the United States saw 726 cyclist deaths in 2012.

While it’s important for drivers to be aware of their surroundings and understand how the laws apply to those of us on two wheels, for cyclists this knowledge can be vital. This means being aware of some of the common motorist infractions that most often lead to motor vehicle-bike crashes. Some of these common infractions include:

·         Failure to yield when entering the roadway or at intersection.

·         Failure to yield to cyclist when turning left.

·         Unsafe passing of cyclist.

·         Improper right turn.

·         Driving too fast for conditions.

·         Driving while intoxicated.

·         Opening car doors into traffic.

Watch out for all of these potential accident-causers and you might just avoid a trip to the emergency room.

Know the New Jersey Bicycling Laws

Sometimes you can’t avoid an accident, though, so you should know the specifics of the law in case you have to deal with someone who hits you. A few important laws to know include:

·Overtaking Law (39:4-85): “The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.”

·Careless Driving (39:4-97): “A person who drives a vehicle carelessly, or without due caution and circumspection, in a manner so as to endanger, or be likely to endanger, a person or property, shall be guilty of careless driving.”

·Operating a Vehicle in an Unsafe Manner (39:4-97.2): “[I]t shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate a motor vehicle in an unsafe manner likely to endanger a person or property.”

Because New Jersey law considers cyclists to be equal to drivers of motor vehicles, drivers who get into accidents with cyclists can and should face drastic legal consequences, but it’s up to you to make sure that guilty motorists are held responsible so that our roads stay safe for everyone.

Since 1988, Ross Hart has owned and operated Hart’s Cyclery in Pennington, NJ. The bike store sells and services the finest brands in the world, including Giant and Cannondale. We provide personalized customer service, taking the time to understand your needs, lifestyle, and athletic style. The focus is ensuring you discover the right bike and the right fit – for the best cycling experience possible.

The next time you visit, check out our newest addition: the GURU Dynamic Fit. The computerized robotic assisted system has revolutionized road bike fitting, and we’re the only shop in the area that offers the service.