Recent Bike Events Highlight Cycling Safety

by | May 25, 2019

Over the past few years, Washington D.C. has seen a rise in the number of people who use bicycles to get around the city. There are numerous factors that have led to an increase in bicyclists on our streets.

The Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA) has done a tremendous job promoting bicycling and bicyclists’’ rights. The prominence of bicycle ride sharing options has made it easier to use bikes conveniently and without having to worry about in-home storage. Many people have been more focused on healthy living and have made it a point to get exercise on the way to and from work and other locations.  The government of D.C. has also been promoting bicycling as of late as many leaders have endorsed bicycle friendly legislation, engaged in efforts to create protected bike lanes, and have incorporated bicycle safety in the city’s Vision Zero efforts.

Interestingly, a few bicycle centric events took place over the last week that I wanted to shine a spotlight on in case you missed them.

Bike to Work Day

On May 17, Commuter Connections and WABA organized the annual citywide Bike to Work Day. Around 20,000 people participated. 115 pit stops were set up throughout the region and offered free food and drinks and games. The event shared a lot of similarities to the May 8th bike to school day in D.C. This event really encourages people to think about biking to work on a consistent basis as it is fun and shows how easy a commute can be.

DC Ride of Silence

Tragically, 5 bicyclists were killed during the last year on the streets of D.C. On May 15th,  Handlebars DC hosted the annual Ride of Silence to “honor the lives of riders injured or killed by traffic violence and remind motorists and public officials that people on bikes have a legal right to public roadways.” A ride of silence took place in hundreds of other cities across the U.S. and the world on May 15th. While D.C. has made strides over the last few years to increase safety for bike riders, we must continue to push for more safety measures.

DC Bike Ride

On May 18, DC Bike Ride took place. That ride, now in its fourth year, cleared cars off of 20 miles of D.C. streets for a morning ride. There were also many festive events like a scavenger hunt, workout classes, live music, and food trucks. This event showed off many of the joys of biking.

CSCS: Fighting for Bicycle Accident Victims

As always, Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. supports bicyclists and bicyclist rights. Regrettably, sometimes bicyclists are seriously injured at no fault of their own. Over the years, Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has secured millions of dollars in compensation for victims injured in bicycle accidents across the region, and as a result of the negligence of other people and of government entities, including the District of Columbia and WMATA.

If you or someone you love has suffered an injury due a preventable crash, please call the firm at (202) 659-8600 for a free consultation.

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