May 18, 2016
Bike AccidentsIn the past several years, most metropolitan cities in the United States have started adding bike lanes on in-town roadways that provide safety for the ever-increasing number of people using bicycles for transportation. Though slower to develop on the east coast, most progressive cities in the west have long provided designated bicycle lanes for their citizens. As these changes take place, however, motorists are not typically educated in bike awareness, and this disconnect continues to result in bicyclists’ injuries and deaths in San Francisco.
The Ride of Silence event is held every year to raise consciousness about accidents that cause harm and at times even death for cyclists. The event began in Dallas in 2003, and is now held in 20 countries and seven continents. Riders participating in this even will take to the road in a solemn ride to commemorate those lost within the past year.
In San Francisco, the riders’ route will take them through areas considered to be high-injury collision areas, where many accidents have occurred. Throughout the South of Market district, there are “ghost bike” memorials erected to mark bicycle fatalities. Police officers will accompany the riders to ensure their safety during the event.
San Francisco riders who participate in this event hope to increase motorists’ bike awareness in order to prevent or reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that befall bicyclists. Unfortunately, accidents will continue to occur. Those in the Bay area who have been impacted by a car-bicycle accident may benefit from discussing their situation with an attorney who is familiar with personal injury and wrongful death litigation. Attorneys who have experience in this area will be able to discuss any available options a person can pursue if he or she wishes to seek reparations in a civil lawsuit.
Source: hoodline.com, “Event Spotlight: ‘Ride Of Silence’ To Honor Cyclists Killed On South Of Market’s Streets”, Brittany Hopkins, May 16, 2016
