Cycling is a well-loved pastime, but it’s not just for kids anymore. Bicycles provide fun exercise, a chance to get out into nature, and a clean energy form of transport. Huntsville residents are biking down the Greenway, through Big Spring Park, or to work or class. Cyclists often find themselves in danger from drivers that aren’t used to driving with bicycles on the road, or don’t want to share the road.
Your Personal Safety Matters
Similar to motorcycle safety, if you share the road with motor vehicles, always make sure to be wearing a helmet. If you like to ride at night, be sure to invest in reflectors and a safety vest. A little money spent on that could mean the difference between a nasty accident and you getting home safely.
Know Your Rights as a Cyclist
The Alabama code concerning bicyclists begins with this, “Every person riding a bicycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to the driver of a vehicle…” (http://www.alabike.org/code.html) Albike.org encourages cyclists to print a copy of the Alabama code concerning bicycles and keep it with you while you are riding.
If you are obeying the various other rules regulating bicycles on main roads, you have the same rights that drivers of motor vehicles have. If you are performing your due diligence to drivers by making yourself visible and keeping as far to the right of the roadway as is safe, then drivers must do their due diligence towards you by giving you the space you need to ride safely.
If you should be hit despite your caution, you may have the right to sue the driver if they acted negligently toward you. Mastando & Artrip have years of experience working with personal injury and car wreck cases. Tony Mastando is himself an avid cyclist. Give us a call at 256-532-2222. We’ll be happy to hear about your case.
