In this economy, it is fair to say that everyone deserves safe and affordable access to transportation, especially those who can’t afford to drive a vehicle or prefer not to. Owning or leasing a car is not affordable to many Americans, especially given the additional costs of fuel and maintenance. And while public transportation offers a solution to the issue of affordability, many prefer to bicycle to their destinations without the restrictions of bus schedules and car-filled traffic, particularly during rush hour. Furthermore, the choice to bicycle for some people goes beyond time and money—it’s a clean and green choice to reduce pollution and do their part to positively influence a planet that is losing the fight against climate change.
While bicycles prove to be an environmentally friendly and healthy choice of transportation, the idea of making cities more bicycle friendly—by adding bicycle lanes—stirs clashing debate all over the United States.
Critics say that bicycle lanes take up space that squeeze the width of roads and sideways, slowing down traffic and leading to more congestion. Many also argue that the cost and space taken up by bicycle lanes are not worth the hassle for the number of cyclists that actively participate on the road.
Despite these criticisms, the benefits of bicycle lanes should not be overlooked. Lanes that are specifically dedicated to bicycles give them room to travel without the risks associated with biking in the same space as cars, buses, and other motor vehicles. This, in turn, can encourage more people to hit the road on their bicycles, transforming their daily commute and other comings and goings into sessions of physical exercise. Integrating bicycle lanes can even convert drivers into avid cyclists, which can potentially reduce traffic congestion, as a bicycle takes up less space on the road than a car.
Bicyclists deserve to be respected on the road. Furthermore, those who obey laws and are found to be less than 51% responsible in a bicycle and car accident in California deserve compensation for damages which may include pain, lost wages, medical expenses, and scarring. A personal injury lawyer in Orange County has handled cases for cyclists who were not at fault for suffering injuries. One of their cases was settled for over $1 million for the plaintiff who had been struck by a truck, resulting in spinal fracture.
Bicycle riders sit on, rather than inside, their mode of transportation leaving their bodies with little protection to be shielded from impact in the event of a collision. Cyclists who are victims of accidents on the road deserve to be supported and advocated as they recover and heal. The most devastating incidents are fatal; a San Diego teenager on his bicycle was hit by a car on his way to school.
If you or a loved one has been hit while riding their bicycle, call the personal injury law firm of Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie today.
Allen Flatt Ballidis & Leslie
4400 MacArthur Blvd STE 370, Newport Beach, CA 92660