The demand for bike lanes in recent years has risen significantly as more and more people are choosing this method of transportation as a viable alternative to commuting by vehicles. Because of this demand, more and more cities are investing in a new infrastructure that includes incorporating more bike lanes and other ways to make it safer for bikers who share the roadways with vehicles. Some are putting bike lanes in the middle lane where there is more visibility.
However, in doing so, bikers need to be sure to follow all traffic safety laws as well. Bikes offer people a more flexible form of transportation, and if the bike lane is not designed with the rider in mind, then they are put at an increased risk of becoming involved in an accident or collision with vehicles. When the bike lanes are placed between the curb and areas in which cars can park, then visibility for the rider is seriously diminished. City infrastructures need to keep this in mind moving forward as they find new and innovative ways to make the roads safer.
Improving Visibility
To make riders more visible, these parking spaces are being eliminated, and strategically placed concrete islands are also being used to help address safety concerns. Even smaller improvements such as using neon colors to signal the bike lanes or moving the lanes to the middle can help save lives.
Creating Harmony
While these improvements may work toward creating a better and safer environment for bikers, where does that leave others? There has to be a balance between the bikers, pedestrians, and drivers when designing the infrastructure of the city.
Before making any improvements, the need for such improvements needs to be assessed. Some cities may not require additional bike lanes and doing so will only cause problems for commuters.
Understanding Safety
One of the best ways to stay safe while sharing the roadway with other drivers is by making yourself more visible. Bikes follow the same rules as vehicles. While a pedestrian may have the right-of-way in a certain situation, this doesn’t mean that the same applies to bike riders. They must travel with traffic and obey the same traffic lights and laws as vehicles.
Following the rules and remaining as visible as possible can significantly reduce a bike riders' risk of becoming involved in an accident or collision that results in personal injury and harm. Bike accident fatalities account for approximately 2% of all traffic-related deaths in the United States. This statistic comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Common Causes of Bike Accidents
The most common cause of bike accidents is because of the inattentiveness of drivers. Bike accidents are also much more common between the hours of 6 pm and 9 pm as it begins to get darker and visibility is much more limited.
When on a bike, always travel with traffic, obey all street signs and signals, and assume that the other people on the road cannot see you. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings and watch for any potential road hazards or situations that can cause an accident.
