Earlier this year, news broke that an Atlanta fireman had been killed while cycling in New Orleans. The Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department Sergeant was training for a triathlon when he and two riding companions were struck from behind by a car. Tragedies such as these shine a light on the dangers cyclists face whenever they hit the road. As lawyers in Atlanta, GA serving the community, we thought it would be helpful to highlight the following stats and safety tips for cyclists.

Bicycle Riding Statistics

According to a report by the U.S. Department of Transportation, an average of almost two people a day lose their lives in bicycle accidents. Given the density of motor vehicles in large cities, it is not surprising that most bicycle fatalities occur in urban areas. Males have a higher instance of death in bicycle accidents than females. Approximately 50,000 cyclists are injured every year, although that number does not include any non-reported injuries.

If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in Atlanta, contact the attorneys at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC as soon as possible. Our experienced attorneys can help you understand the legal options available to you, and can help you secure the compensation that you deserve to cover the costs of your injuries.

Keeping Safe While Riding a Bicycle

The following are several tips for keeping safe when cycling:

• Visibility is key - Often the best thing a cyclist can do to keep safe is to be seen. If riding at night, wear reflective gear and be sure to use a headlight and taillight. Avoid traveling in blind spots or other places where vehicles may not be able to see you. Also be sure to be aware of your own surroundings, either by the use of mirrors or by other means.

• The car always wins - In an accident between a cyclist and a car, it will be the cyclist who suffers the most harm. Given the disparity in size between bicycles and vehicles, automobile drivers face little danger in colliding with a cyclist, but cyclists risk great harm and even death in the event of a collision. This means that a safe cyclist is a defensive cyclist. Watch for distracted drivers. Don’t assume that they are on the lookout for cyclists, even when those cyclists are traveling in designated bike lanes. Keep a vigilant lookout for unsafe drivers.

• Sometimes it’s not the car - Although collisions with vehicles are often the most deadly, many bicycle accidents do not involve cars at all. Cyclists should watch for other possible dangers, such as pedestrians and animals. Many times it is the road itself that contributes to an accident. Bicycle riders should watch for dangers such as potholes, debris, uneven streets, oil slicks, or the like. Additionally, cyclists should take special care in adverse weather such as rain, snow, or ice. In many instances, accidents are due to equipment failures such as faulty wheels, rims, gears, chains, or breaks. Before hitting the road, make sure your bicycle is in working order. Take the time to perform necessary regular maintenance.

Of course, in the event of an accident, our attorneys are standing by to assist you in any way that you need.