New York is a geographically small but fast-paced city filled with millions of commuters and many travel options. Over the past two decades, New Yorkers’ interest in biking has increased dramatically, especially over the past few years, due in part to the introduction of 1,240 additional miles of bike lanes in 2018 and new bikeshare program. For example, between 2015 and 2016 alone, there was a 150% increase in NYC bike travel.
During the worldwide pandemic of 2020, cycling increased by another 50% from the previous year. This is likely because of the delays and other complications of public transportation at the time. Whether for safety or health reasons, more and more New Yorkers are preferring to use two wheels over four.
With such growth in the industry, there also comes an increase in accidents. Motor vehicles are required to share the road with cyclists by following proper traffic procedures, but many don’t do so correctly. If you’ve been hurt in a New York bicycle accident, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. Please contact the professionals at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at (212) 986-7353.
NYC Citi Bike
Citi Bike is the most popular bike-sharing program in New York City. A study examining Midtown Manhattan discovered that Citi Bike trips average two miles, are two or three minutes shorter, and cost six dollars less than comparable taxi trips. In addition, New Yorkers enjoy the convenience of Citi Bikes during rush hours, which has made it a preferred way of travel for many professionals. In 2016, Citi Bike created a program where its members relocate thousands of bikes each day to keep the city cleaner and to make vehicles more available in some areas.
NYC Bike Safety
Over the years, NYC has made a myriad of efforts toward bike safety. For example, NYC has fitted and awarded over 260,000 free helmets to encourage bike safety and awareness for citizens. Biking laws in NYC continue to progress to protect cyclists, too. Here are just a few significant regulations:
- Ride in the street
- Ride with traffic
- Use bike lanes and paths when possible
- Use a white headlight and a red taillight
Bike Statics
With the increase of cycling and bike share programs in NYC, there has unfortunately been an increase in accidents. In 2020, 12,450 reported bike collisions in NYC caused 12,422 injuries and 28 fatalities. Here are a few bicycle statics:
- 26% of adult New Yorkers ride a bike at least once a year
- 10% of the average annual growth rate of commuter cycling is female
- Daily cycling has a yearly growth rate of around 4.7%
Types of Bike Accidents
Since cycling has increased in NYC, the number of cycling accidents has also increased. The most common type of cycling accidents include:
Intersection accidents. The most common type of bicycle accident is an intersection accident. This typically occurs when a driver turns or merges with traffic and collides with cyclists. Sometimes, a driver cannot see a cyclist riding in an intersection and can turn too quickly, which can cause a collision.
Doored. This can happen even when a car is parked. For example, if a motorist opens their door unexpectedly while a cyclist is passing, they can hit the rider and cause significant injury.
Bike lane. Driving a car in the bike lane is illegal, even if it is only for a moment. A driver entering the bike lane can cause a distraction and strike a cyclist.
Liability After a New York Bike Accident
Determining liability after a cycling accident can be challenging, depending on your situation. Proving that another person was negligent and responsible for your injuries depends on several factors, including street signage, the condition of the car or vehicle, and the driver’s state. If you have been injured in a cycling accident, contact a NYC personal injury attorney at Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro, Moses & Halperin, LLP at (212) 986-7353 and discuss your case with a dedicated professional.