Cycling is a common hobby in New York. There are also many people who rely on bicycles as a regular form of transportation. Unfortunately, cyclists are at risk on the road. They can very easily end up injured in crashes caused by people in motor vehicles.
Cyclists generally need to be very careful about complying with traffic laws. They also need to know their rights if they want to protect themselves from a crash or take appropriate action after one. There are certain specific rights extended to cyclists that can play a role in their safety in traffic or in their pursuit of compensation after they get hurt. The three rights below are among the most important for New York cyclists.
The right to share the road with bigger vehicles
Technically, New York state law does not prohibit riding bicycles on sidewalks. However, many municipalities have enacted statutes banning the operation of bicycles on sidewalks. Cyclists can use designated bike lanes or special pathways. They also have the right under New York traffic laws to operate their bicycles on public roads. They should travel with traffic and are subject to the same basic traffic rules as those in motor vehicles.
The right to travel side by side
It is surprisingly easy for drivers to overlook cyclists. They sometimes also act aggressively towards cyclists because they resent their presence on the road. When cyclists travel together, they have an easier time drawing attention in traffic. They can also benefit from having someone else present if some kind of incident occurs. Cyclists do have the right in New York to travel side by side in the same lane of traffic. Doing so can be a smart decision when traveling on busy roads where collision risk may be higher than average.
The right to seek compensation after a crash
Technically, cyclists don’t have to carry insurance, although some cyclists have protection through their car insurance policies. When a cyclist ends up hurt in traffic due to the actions of a motorist, they can potentially pursue an insurance claim. They may be able to use the liability coverage of the driver who hurt them and possibly their own no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage if they have a car insurance policy. In scenarios involving serious injuries or uninsured motorists, cyclists may also have the option of filing a personal injury lawsuit. Those who lose a loved one in a cycling crash may be able to initiate a wrongful death lawsuit.
Learning more about how the law protects cyclists can help people avoid or better handle cycling collisions. Cyclists deserve to feel safe on the road and may require support to assert themselves if they get hurt because of someone else’s behavior.