Bicycles are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transportation, and many local areas are increasing bike lanes and trying to improve safety for bicycle riders. Unfortunately, many motorists still do not know how to share the road with bike riders, and drivers who make mistakes or who are careless could cause a bicyclist to sustain life-altering injuries. When a driver causes a bicycle accident and serious injuries or death result from the crash, the motorist who was responsible needs to compensate the victim. The victim, however, has the burden of taking legal action and pursuing a damage claim. This can be challenging, especially when you are coping with serious injuries or if your loved one has been killed in a bike accident and you are dealing with grief.

The best way to protect your rights after a bicycle accident in Arizona is to get help from an experienced bicycle accident attorney. Our attorneys are here and ready to help you to pursue a bike accident claim. At Accident Law Group, our legal team is comprised of some of the best bicycle accident attorneys Arizona has available. As such, we’ll work with you every step of the way, providing the guidance you need to navigate the insurance process and win your lawsuit.

Bicycle Rider Safety

Arizona Department of Transportation Active Transportation Program has a Bicycling Safety Program

Below are some key highlights:

If You Ride at Night Arizona Bike Law/Bicycle Law/Traffic Law requires those riding a bike to have:

• a white headlight visible from at least 500 feet
• a red rear reflector visible from 50 to 300 feet

A cyclist may also have a red tail light visible from 500 feet (blinking tail lights are eye-catching). You may want to consider wearing a reflective vest or reflective tape on your helmet or clothes.

Bike Smart, Bicycle Safety

To be safe and avoid a cycling accident or a bike crash, bicyclists should ride with traffic and be aware of hazards, cars, and people around them. Bike smart and follow these safety tips for biking in Arizona:

• Ride on the right - Always ride with the flow of traffic. Riding against traffic is dangerous and could result in severe injury or catastrophic injury.
• Ride predictably - Follow the same rules motorists do, and travel in a straight line without swerving.
• Obey traffic control devices (signs, signals, bike lane markings) - Cyclist(s) must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles.
• Protect your head - Always wear a helmet, even on the shortest trips.
• Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't ride straight in a lane marked Right-Turn Only.
• Ride correctly through intersections - Use the right-most lane that goes in your direction. If you're heading straight, get in the through lane, not to the right of a right-turning vehicle.
• Signal before you move or stop - Hand signals let drivers and others know what you intend to do.
• Enter streets and intersections cautiously - Always check for oncoming traffic.
• Ride defensively on the road - Anticipate hazards and be ready to adjust your position in traffic.
• Don't ride on the sidewalk - Many people consider sidewalks a safe place to ride because cars don't travel on them. Unfortunately, sidewalks aren't safe. Stay off them, except where you have no choice. Trees, hedges, parked cars, buildings, and doorways create blindspots along a sidewalk, which is too narrow to allow you to swerve out of the way if someone appears. A pedestrian on the sidewalk can sidestep suddenly, or a small child can run out from behind an adult. Never pass a pedestrian until you have his or her attention. And cars do use sidewalks - at every driveway and cross-street. Since there are no clear rules for travel on a sidewalk, your only choice is to ride very slowly and look in all directions before crossing a driveway or street
• Be visible and be seen - Wear bright colors to increase your visibility and make eye contact with drivers.
• Look behind you - Know how to look over your shoulder and not swerve or lose balance. Rear-view mirrors are an option.
• Learn more about Avoiding Motor Vehicle(s)(link is external)
• Everything on your bike should be properly adjusted and in good working condition. Keep a well-maintained bike, be a smart bike rider, and conduct the ABC Quick Check(link is external) before you ride as recommended by the League of American Bicyclists.

Arizona Bicycling Organizations, Clubs, and Programs

Many Arizona Cities and Counties have bicycle programs that promote bicycle transportation and safety. These programs typically coordinate a bicycle planning process for a city or region and identify policies and priorities for investing in local a bicycle system. They can provide specific information on bicycling in your area, including existing and planned trails and bikeways.

Personal Injury Lawyer

If you are a bicycle accident victim remember that the injured cyclist oftentimes gets the worse types of injuries. In fact, some can even be fatal. If you are a victim of a bicycle crash or have a friend or loved one who has figured in said bicycle accident injury, contact Accident Law Group for help with your bicycle accident claim or injury claim. We are the premier personal injury attorney law firm that specializes in providing the best legal representation for victims of bicycle accidents.