Biking seems like such a great way to get around. For tourists, you can zip around between monuments and get to know the city like the locals. For commuters, you can save money on gas and fit in some exercise at the same time. But, riding a bike in Washington, D.C., should not be taken lightly. It can be very dangerous and often riders can end up suffering severe injuries.
Each year, 1.5 % of people who are killed in traffic accidents are bicyclists and 2% of all those injured are bicyclists. Most bicycle accidents occur for one of three reasons.
- First, most drivers do not naturally watch for bicyclists. Bicycles are much smaller than motor vehicles and are much quieter.
- Second, drivers often do not respect the rights of bicyclists to share the road.
- Third, inexperienced or uneducated bicyclists do not know how to share the road properly.
In order to bike more safely in DC, all bicyclists should be properly educated. The Washington Area Bicyclist Association provides regular classes to help bicyclists hit the roads armed with the proper tools. They help bicyclists learn how to fix a flat, what the proper etiquette is for riding in groups, crash avoidance techniques, and bicycle safety checks.
DC is not the safest place to ride, but proper bicycle education and training goes a long way. If you do get injured in a bicycle accident, however, the Washington, DC personal injury lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. understand the specific needs of those injured in bicycle accidents and can help you get proper compensation for your injuries.Call (202) 659-8600 for more information about your case.