Louisiana Motorists Can Do a Lot to Make Bicycling Safer

Bicycling safety specialists know that the two foundation blocks of cyclist safety are:

• An extended "biking only" infrastructure, and
• A critical mass of cyclists, i.e. enough cyclists to change the attitudes of motorists.

We haven't reached that point yet, and there are still far too many car-bicycle crashes in Louisiana resulting in serious, sometimes fatal, injuries.

Bicycle riding must be encouraged. It is healthy and fun, and you can't beat the gas mileage. Whereas some cyclists seem to be reluctant to abide by the traffic code (as they should) and ride on the wrong side of the road or cross intersections without stopping for red lights or signs, most bikers take a defensive and cautious attitude, hoping motorists will do the same.

What can motorists do?

Motorists are a key factor in making New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and other large city streets safe for bikers, if they only would:

• Check for bikes before pulling out into traffic from a parking space;
• Avoid squeezing bicyclists into narrow spaces. When passing a bicycle, leave at least 3 feet clearance;
• Not pass a bicyclist right before making a right turn or coming to a stop;
• Watch for approaching bicycles before opening the road-side car doors;
• Give cyclists enough room to circumvent potholes, debris or other obstacles.

Bicyclists are even less protected than motorcyclists and should behave accordingly. Cycling is addictive, because it does so much good for your body and mind, but bikers are vulnerable to serious injuries like broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and road rash, and should wear the appropriate protective gear to limit the damage.

If you have been hurt in a car, truck, motorcycle or bicycle accident caused by someone else, contact the New Orleans accident attorneys of the Young Firm for a FREE discussion of your case. Order now our FREE lawyer book, "A Guide To Steering Through a Serious Vehicle Accident in Louisiana".