Bicycle Riding Is Meant To Be Fun In Louisiana.

The last time the Louisiana Department of Transportation (DOT) made a study on bicycle crashes was in 2008, covering the period from 2004 to 2006. 1,115 crashes were reported on local roads over that period, while 543 accidents were reported on the state highway network. Crashes on the state roads resulted in 30 percent more fatalities.

Many bicycle accidents result in death or very serious injuries. In a recent blog post on bicycle safety, we pointed out how bicyclists can remain safe and enjoy their ride.

Why are there so many accidents with bicyclists in Louisiana?

There are several reasons for this unhappy situation, some of them having to do with Louisiana, others being common to all bicyclists.

Bicycle Infrastructure. Bicycle riding paths and roadway shoulders are too few and often too narrow to provide a safe riding environment.

Visibility: Cyclists are even more exposed than motorcycle riders to accidents caused by drivers who fail to notice them, even when they look in the right direction. This is mostly the case at intersections and when vehicles pull out of a side street.

Car Doors: In urban areas, a cyclist will often ride along a line of parked vehicles. They should beware of any vehicle with occupants, who may open their doors right in front of a passing bicycle.

Large Trucks: When a truck driver turns right or left at an intersection, or changes lanes, a quick glance at the outside rearview mirrors will tell if the path is free. The problem is that there are many blind spots, even more so for cyclists staying much closer to the truck than a car. Another problem is that with a quick glance at the mirror, the driver may miss the cyclist altogether.

Pedestrians: Pedestrians also fail to see cyclists. On top of that, bicycles are silent and pedestrians are used to reacting to the noise of motor vehicles.

Poor Road Conditions: Cyclists have to be careful to avoid potholes, drainage covers, rail tracks or road debris. These obstacles could force them to swerve around, which increases the risk of being hit by a passing vehicle.

At the Young Firm in New Orleans we are dedicated to the safety of our clients. If you have been involved in a bicycle crash, contact us for a free evaluation of your case.