Raising Awareness and Taking Action: Protecting Pedestrians and Cyclists

This summer, the Sacramento Bee informed readers of the city's efforts to make roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. The city is not just asking, but counting on the community to speak up and notify them about the dangers individuals may be aware of.

Your involvement is not just important; it's integral. The more people opt to participate, the better the city can target its efforts to make roads safer.

You can find an interactive map by clicking here, where users can highlight areas of concern.

Community Initiatives: Raising Awareness

Admittedly, Sacramento City isn't the first to want to raise awareness of the need for safer roads. This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the "Ride of Silence," an event held to honor cyclists and their families who have been injured or killed on the streets. In Sacramento, the annual event fell on May 15, 2024, and garnered attention from local media.

Besides riding in silence at the locations where riders have lost their lives, there are moments when the surviving family members or friends can express heartfelt words about their loved ones. "Ride of Silence" is not limited to one town or state, and we encourage our readers to earmark this event for future participation.

The Reality of Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety

Automobile manufacturers make extraneous efforts to ensure the safety of their vehicles, but what alteration can be made to gear worn by pedestrians and cyclists that would guarantee their safety? Helmets sport safety ratings, and riding gear is made to be bright and protective, but a person is no match for a car in a collision. Sadly, injuries are often debilitating or fatal when the brunt of the impact is directly on a rider's body.

When cyclists observe the rules of the road, make extra efforts to ensure they are visible, and even stay within the city's designated lanes, there is no reason they should suffer debilitating injuries or loss of life. It is heartbreaking to see headlines about families forever altered due to mistakes made by motorists.

Alarming Statistics

Although people are aware that cyclists and pedestrians have the right to share the road and make it home safely, reports in recent years show an alarming trend.

According to the most recent extensive reports put together by NHTSA in 2022, both pedestrian and cyclist injuries increased by 11%; besides this figure in their report was an increase in fatal accidents as well, a staggering 13% for cyclists. A Google search on "recent bicycle injuries" or "recent pedestrian injuries" would reveal that these numbers should concern us all.

New California Laws in 2024 for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Laws for all those who share the roads in California can be found on our state's Department of Motor Vehicles website. It is essential to know that all motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians have a responsibility when on the road. However, just about every year, more laws are enacted to make travel safer for cyclists or pedestrians. Here are a few that stood out to us in this year:

1. AB-413 chapter 22500 now restricts drivers from parking within 20 feet of most corners or within 15 feet of crosswalks. This law was put in place to remove visual obstructions and help all those who share the road see one another better.
2. AB-1909 chapter 343 was a law passed four years ago but went into effect in 2024. It states that cyclists can also adhere to the walk signals that allow pedestrians to get a "head start" walk light before the vehicles get a green.
3. AB-361 chapter 432 now allows parking officials to ticket offenders who park or block bicycle lanes without having to exit their vehicles. In the past, they were only allowed to do this for expired parking meters, not for cars blocking bike lanes. Such changes in the law can help keep the lanes safe for cyclists by keeping them clear.
4. Bike Rules on BART were also updated to benefit travelers who use public transportation regularly. Riders can now officially take their bikes with them on most escalators throughout the system instead of having to lug them up and down stairwells or into crowded elevators, which helps make the commute a little easier for all.

If Injured in an Accident - What Should be Done?

It is important to seek medical attention right after an accident, especially for pedestrians or cyclists. If you are a witness at the scene of an accident, you should immediately call emergency services. Do not assume that the person is ok just because they can speak or are standing - internal injuries can be hidden when a person is in shock after an accident, and yet they can prove to be fatal. So make sure to assess the situation with others; please call for help as soon as possible.

Often, in the process of calling for help, you are also aiding officials by helping them make a report of the incident. When there is an injury, the ambulance and law enforcement will arrive. Although it may require patience, remain at the scene to report the accident to the investigating officer. Traffic collision reports are not just a means of preserving evidence, but they also help the city see concerns that may exist on certain streets or intersections.

When waiting for emergency crews and law enforcement to arrive, you can help expedite the process by gathering the contact information of any witnesses at the scene. Witnesses may be able to give specific details that will help prove the liability in an accident.

The Importance of the Best Available Legal Representation

Your ability to obtain the treatment you need and be compensated for all of your economic and intangible losses (quality of life damages) will often depend on the quality of legal representation you have. At OZ Law, our highly qualified Elk Grove-based bike accident lawyers will fight on your behalf to make sure that you will get the funds to go on living following a serious injury, and the peace of mind that you need and deserve.

Insurance companies will fight with every means available to make a plaintiff settle for the lowest possible amount of money. Insurance adjusters are skilled at posing questions to victims in such a way as to elicit a response that can hurt your case, so avoid talking to them. Sign nothing, and do not allow the adjuster to record a statement from you. Refer the adjuster to your attorney, who will take steps to protect your right to an adequate recovery.

No-Cost Legal Consultation

For the best representation Elk Grove has to offer, contact the top-rated law firm attorneys John O'Brien and Grant Zehnder, who have decades of experience and a practice limited exclusively to personal injury law.

We are able to offer the skilled advocacy that will result in the best outcome available in your particular case. We will perform a case analysis and answer your questions about legal options at no cost to you.