More bicycles are on our roadways during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more accidents (how to stay safe)

With the COVID-19 coronavirus crisis restricting much of everyday life, limiting movement to essential trips for food and medicine and a daily outings for exercise, bikes have emerged as savior for many.

Bicycles have become a welcome tool for this pandemic as a way to quickly get around and get exercise while staying a safe distance from everyone else. In some cities, cycling has increased by more than 150% during the outbreak, according to the World Resource Institute.

Unfortunately, also increasing are injuries from cycling. In New York, authorities reported a nearly 50% jump in cyclists injuries during March. The rise in cyclist injuries comes as the number of people on the road overall is decreasing as more people work and are staying put inside their homes. It appears that driver inattention and failure to yield, and some form of driver error are all to blame.

Locally, The Bakersfield Californian reported that that bicycle shops and bike repair businesses are doing well at a time when many retailers are struggling or shut down entirely. The California Highway Patrol recently issued a reminder to motorists to share the road safely with bicyclists, who may be out in larger numbers as a result of the stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus. In fact, local CHP offices are giving out helmets to children, and parents or guardians. According to the National Safety Council, cyclists who wear a helmet reduce their risk of head injury by an estimated 60 percent. California law requires cyclists under 18 to wear a helmet.

The increase also comes at a time of another sobering statistic: From 2016 through 2018 in California, more cyclists died in traffic accidents across the state than during any three-year period in the past 25 years, according to California Healthline. Surging popularity of bike shares and fitness cycling are part of the reasons.

At the time, and especially during this month’s National Bike Month, Chain | Cohn | Clark reminds everyone — bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists — to stay alert on our roads to keep everyone safe. Read below for quick tips of how we can all stay safe:

RULES OF THE ROAD

Here are bike laws you need to know to pedal safely and legally, courtesy of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition:

• Pedestrians have the right of way: In the crosswalk or not, bike riders and drivers are required to yield to pedestrians.
• Stop behind the crosswalk: Leave crosswalks free and clear for pedestrians. Always stop behind the line.
• Mind the signs and lights: Stop at stop signs and obey red lights, just like all other vehicles.
• Stay on the streets: It’s illegal to ride on the sidewalk.
• Go with the flow: Ride the same direction as traffic. Walk your bike on the sidewalk if you find yourself on the wrong block of a one-way street.
• Take the lane: If you’re next to parked cars or you’re riding in a narrow lane — if you feel safer, take the lane and ride outside the door zone.
• It’s OK to leave the bike lane: If you feel safer outside the bike lane, you can ride in other vehicle travel lanes. Merge when safe and signal when changing lanes.
• Light up the night: Reflectors and a front white light are required by law. We recommend you use a rear light as well.
• Keep an ear clear: Even when using hands-free devices, bike riders and drivers are required to keep one ear free of headphones.
• Be a friend to disabled neighbors: Sometimes people with disabilities need access to the curb. Paratransit carriers (including taxis) may have to enter the bikeway to drop them off. Be a good neighbor and give them room.
• Pass on the left: Although bike lanes are often on the right side of the road, people biking and driving are required to pass on the left.

And here are a few tips to ensure the safety of everyone on the road:

• Drivers should look behind them before making a turn at an intersection, especially if crossing into a designated bike lane.
• Drivers should use extra caution backing up or leaving a parking space.
• Bicyclists should go with the flow of traffic and let faster traffic pass.
• Bicyclists should make themselves visible and wear brightly colored clothing.
• Bicyclists are advised to use lights from dusk to dawn (front white light and rear red flashing light or reflectors).
• Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and use hand signals when turning or stopping.
• Both drivers and bicyclists should avoid distractions like using their cell phone.

CRASH CHECKLIST

Immediately after a crash

• Tell the driver to stay until the police arrive. If they refuse to stay or don’t provide ID, get their and the car’s description, vehicle’s license plate # and state of issue.
• Call (or ask someone to call) 9-1-1, and ask for the police to come to the scene.
• Get name and contact info for any witnesses. Ask them to remain on the scene until police arrive, if possible.
• Ask for the driver’s license and insurance card. Write down name, address, date of birth, and insurance information.

When the police arrive

• Ask them to take an incident report.
• Get reporting police officer’s name and badge number.
• If you’ve been doored, ask the officer to cite the motorist for dooring.
• Ask the officers to speak to witnesses, if possible.
• While a doctor’s report of your injury is important for insurance and/or legal action, you do not need to take an ambulance.

In the days after the crash

• Contact witnesses to ask them to email you their version of what happened while it’s fresh in their mind. Email yourself a description of what happened with relevant information and capture as much detail as you can.
• Take good photos of your injuries and any bike damage. Get an estimate from a bike shop before making repairs.
• Request a copy of the incident report from the police.
• Contact an attorney who has experience with bicycle accidents.

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If you or someone you know is injured in an accident at the fault of someone else, or injured on the job no matter whose fault it is, contact the attorneys at our Bakersfield law firm by calling (661) 323-4000.