Given the increase in gas prices as well as the increase in environmental awareness, more and more people are eschewing gas-guzzling cars and hopping on their bikes to get to work. Riding a bike to work comes with a number of benefits, including saving money, getting exercise, and developing a closer connection with the community. However, biking also comes with its share of hazards, especially when biking in urban areas.
Each year, there are over 800 Maryland bicycle accidents across the state, with over 650 of those accidents resulting in the bicyclist being injured. Unfortunately, the data also suggest that the number of bicycle accidents in Maryland seems to be increasing. While the most recent data suggests that bicycle fatalities are fairly low, this number is likely to increase as more people choose bicycles as a preferred method of commuting. Over 85% of those accidents occur in the metropolitan areas of Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
On top of the generally applicable traffic laws that apply in all situations, Maryland lawmakers have enacted several rules to protect bicyclists, including the following requirements:
- Motorists must leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicyclist;
- When a motorist passes a bicyclist, the motorist cannot get back into the lane until the bicyclist can be seen in the rear-view mirror; and
- Motorists must yield to bicyclists when making a turn.
Commuter Killed in City Bike Accident
Earlier this month, one woman was killed when she was struck by a garbage truck while riding her bike to work. According to a local news report covering the tragic accident, the woman was riding in a bike lane when a privately owned garbage truck made a turn in front of her. The woman was unable to avoid the collision and ran into the side of the truck, which then ran her over.
Police are still investigating the fatal bicycle accident and have not issued charges against the driver of the truck. The accident has renewed discussions about the safety and prevalence of bike lanes in major urban areas. Indeed, Baltimore has recently made efforts to create protected bike lanes along several major thoroughfares, allowing bicyclists to more easily and safely commute from one end of the city to the other.
Have You Been Injured in a Maryland Bike Accident?
If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a Maryland bicycle accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The dedicated team of Maryland personal injury attorneys at the law firm of Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers have extensive experience representing victims in all kinds of bike accident cases. To learn more, and to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated Maryland bike accident attorney, call 410-654-3600 today. Calling is free, and we will not bill you for our services unless we are able to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
More Blog Posts:
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Involving Semi-Trucks, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published November 27, 2017.
Maryland Motorcycle Accidents Caused by Inattentive Drivers, Maryland Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog, published December 6, 2017.