In January, 40-year-old bicyclist Joseph Chaney was struck and killed in a hit-and-run accident on Columbus’s South Side, at the intersection of Corr Road and Parsons Avenue. The impact threw Mr. Chaney to the ground, and the driver fled the scene. This tragedy highlights the importance of following cycling safety tips to help you avoid a collision that could cause severe, even fatal injuries.

When motorized vehicles share the road with bicycles, both riders and drivers must understand and follow Ohio bicycle safety laws. These laws are intended to protect riders, who are more likely to be seriously injured or killed in a crash involving an automobile.

If you were injured or a loved one was killed in an Ohio bicycle accident, the personal injury attorneys at Robenalt Law can help. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing injured people and their families throughout Ohio and nationwide. We can provide legal advice and guidance to protect your rights and help you move forward after a bicycle accident.

Ohio Cycling Safety Tips

Cycling is growing in popularity in Ohio and nationwide. Riding a bike for recreation or transportation improves physical health, decreases traffic congestion, and provides a welcome escape from busy lives. By observing the following cycling safety tips, you can stay safe on the road and enjoy riding for years to come.

Wear a Helmet

Always wear a properly fitting helmet when you are riding. A helmet can minimize the severity of any injuries you suffer if you are involved in a crash.

Wear Bright Colored Clothing

Brightly colored clothing makes you more visible to other drivers. Also consider wearing reflective clothing or applying reflective tape, especially if you ride at dawn or dusk.

Equip Your Bike with Lights and Reflectors

Ohio law requires that cyclists riding in low visibility conditions and at night have a white lamp on the front of their bike and a red reflector or red light on the rear of the bike.

Follow Traffic Signs and Signals

Bicycles are “vehicles” and riders must obey all traffic signs and signals. Riders should signal when turning unless it is unsafe to do so.

Ride Predictably

When you ride predictably, other vehicles can anticipate what you intend to do, minimizing the likelihood of a collision. Ride where you will be seen, travel in the same direction as traffic, minimize blind spots, and look over your shoulder when turning or changing lanes.

Ride to the Far Right of the Road

Cyclists should ride as far to the right of the road as practicable, except to avoid obstacles or road hazards, when turning, or when it is safer to “take the lane,” like when approaching an intersection.

Share the Road Safely and Appropriately

Multi-purpose trails are shared by cyclists and pedestrians. These paths are reserved for riders travelling at 10 mph or less. Cyclists riding faster than 10 mph should ride on the road.

Remember the ABCs of Cycling

Before venturing out on your bike, remember the ABCs of safe cycling:

• Air - Check your tires for proper air pressure and inspect for wear, tears, or other damage
• Brakes - Check the front and rear brakes for proper operation
• Chain - Check your bike chain for proper lubrication, proper shifting in all gear cogs, and inspect for damaged chain links

Injured in a Bicycle Accident? Robenalt Law Can Help.

Even if you follow these cyclist safety tips, you could still be injured in a bicycle accident. Because bicycles offer less protection than cars provide to passenger vehicles, when a bike and a car collide, the cyclist almost always suffers more severe injuries.

Individuals injured in a bicycle accident may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, including payment for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of consortium

The personal injury attorneys at Robenalt Law can help you evaluate your options and fight to hold the responsible parties accountable for the harm they caused.

Contact Robenalt Law Today

Robenalt Law has offices in Cleveland and Columbus, and handles bicycle accident injury claims throughout Ohio and nationwide. Call our Cleveland office at (216) 223-7535 or our Columbus office at (614) 695-3800 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential, no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and how we can help.