According to a news release by the Minnesota Department of Transportation, bicycle riding is up, and fatalities are down in the state. The statistics from 2011 show there were four bicyclists killed that year, which is the lowest number since 2007. During the years 2008 to 2010, 2,836 bicyclists were injured and 32 were killed on Minnesota roads.
The most common reason for bicycle crashes is failure to yield right of way. Bicyclists are also guilty of ignoring traffic control devices such as stop signs and stoplights, while motorists often do not pay attention to others on the road. Most crashes between bicycles and cars occur in the afternoon rush hour. Most of the injured cyclists are people under the age of 25. One of the most common accidents is dooring, where a bicyclist crashes into a car door that opens suddenly in their path.
Minnesota ranks second in the nation as a bicycle friendly state. That means the state is working to improve conditions for bikers, educates bikers and motorists about bike safety, and plans and funds infrastructure for safe biking.
When planning a bike trip, experts recommend that bicyclists look for safe routes, use bike lanes and bike paths whenever possible, and obey the rules of the road. Both bicyclists and motorists share responsibility for keeping roadways safe. Bikers have a right to be on the road, so motorists need to be aware and respect their right of way.
There are eight rules of the road to make bicycling safe. Bicyclists may use all Minnesota roads except for interstate highways. Bikers should ride in the same direction as traffic and use the road, not sidewalks. When passing, motorists must clear bicycles by three feet. Bicyclists must obey traffic signs and control signals. Motorists and bicyclists should both yield the right of way to each other. Bicyclists must signal their turns. Bicyclists must use a headlight and reflectors after dark. Bicyclists should wear helmets and reflective gear.
Contact a Minnesota bicycle accident lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation here.