On June 17, an 80-year-old cyclist was killed when he was struck by a charter bus in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. Unfortunately, he was the second cyclist struck and killed by a bus in the Chelsea neighborhood in the same week. Sadly, these two men were the fifth and sixth bicycle fatalities in New York City so far this year. Luckily, there are several things people, both bicyclists and motorists, can do to reduce the chances of similar accidents happening.
Bicyclist Tips
If you often ride a bicycle around New York City, you likely know that it is a great way to get around the city, but because of the busy nature of the streets, traveling by bicycle in NYC requires extra precaution. No matter where you are biking, though, safety is an
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Do not travel straight in a turning lane, and do not turn when you are in a lane that is going straight. If you are in the wrong lane, you are likely to confuse motorists, thereby increasing your chances of being hit.
Use bike lanes and paths when they are available. When making a left turn, you will need to leave the bike lane to safely complete your turn.
Wear a helmet. While only children under fourteen are required by New York law to wear a helmet, safety should be a top priority for anyone riding a bicycle.
Be aware of your surroundings. This includes other bicyclists, motorists, and any potential road hazards. If you are riding near parked vehicles, watch for open doors. Adjust your riding to avoid hitting anything or being hit by anything. To be fully aware of your surroundings, put away your cell phone or anything else that may distract you.
Know and use proper hand signals when turning, switching lanes, or braking. This will let others know of your intentions.
Be extra careful when biking at night or in poor weather. If you are riding in the dark, make sure your bike is properly equipped with both a white headlight and a red taillight. Bright, reflective clothing can also help you to be more visible during bad weather and at