I have written time and time again about the unique dangers faced by bicycle riders on the road. I am an avid bicyclist myself and am well aware of how dangerous it can be for bike riders to share the road with cars and trucks. Apparently, the Rhode Island General Assembly agrees. Spurred by the tragic death of Frank J. Cabral who was killed while riding a bike in Charlestown, the Rhode Island General Assembly has passed a law requiring motorists to drive a safe distance from bicyclists.
Frank Cabral’s girlfriend worked with the General Assembly to help ensure that some form of law passed. She proposed temporary loss of license, driver training, etc for anyone who hit a bicyclist on the road. The General Assembly fell far short of such severe penalties, but have now given the police authority to issue citations for $85 if they believe that a driver has endangered the safety and welfare of a bike rider.
Final approval was given to a legal requirement
that motorists may pass bicyclists only “at a safe distance,”
which is defined as “sufficient to prevent contact with the person
operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver’s
lane of traffic.”
Bicycle accidents are always incredibly dangerous because of the lack of safety equipment offered by vehicles. Fractures, head injuries, scarring, and even death, are common injuries in accidents between autos and bicycles.
Drivers must be on the look out for riders and be aware of the rules of the road. Bikers are authorized to ride in the street and should not ride on sidewalks which would be extremely dangerous for bikers and pedestrians. The fear of penalty for driving too closely to bikers may encourage drivers to maintain a proper lookout, especially in urban areas and around bike paths where bikers are likely to be prevalent.
If you have been injured while riding a bicycle, it is imperative that you contact an attorney who understands the unique rules involving bicyclists and is capable of handling cases involving serious personal injury. My office is the right choice. Contact my office right away for a free consultation.