What Happened to This 57 Year Old Bicycle Rider?
57-year-old bicyclist lost his life in Tucson after being struck by a vehicle. The victim was not wearing a helmet. Accidents like this are reminders of just how vulnerable bicyclists are to automobiles and other vehicles. In 2014, there were 29 bicyclists who lost their lives in Arizona; 16 in 2015.
Laws for Cyclists in Arizona
Without a doubt, the Grand Canyon State is ideal for getting outdoors. While our bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians do a great job of sharing the road, accidents do happen. By law, cyclists in Arizona are required to:
- Stop for traffic lights and stop signs
- Use a white headlight and rear red reflector if cycling before sunrise or after sunset
- Have a regular seat for each person riding on the bike
- Riders in lines of no more than two side-by-side
- Have at least one hand on handlebars at all times
- Signal intent to drivers of plans to change lanes
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks
Tips for a Safe Ride
Again, remember that the victim in the incident described above was not wearing a helmet. Wearing one is the single most important action you can take to minimizing injuries sustained in accidents. Here are a few other tips for safe riding:
- Wearing reflective material on your clothing
- Inspecting your bike before hopping on to make sure parts are secure and operating as they should
- Maintaining a safe distance between yourself and others
- Installing and using front and rear lights on your bike
- Put reflector strips on your bike’s pedals.
Been in a Bicycle Accident? The Oswalt Law Firm Can Help You
If you’ve suffered injuries from a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury suit. Keep in mind that it’s very important that you speak with an attorney skilled in personal injury law so that you’re properly compensated for lost wages, medical bills, etc. We invite you to contact the Oswalt Law Firm today (offices in Phoenix, Tempe, and Peoria) by calling (602) 225-2222 for a free consultation.