Tips for Sharing the Road with Bicyclists and Pedestrians

While most people associate traffic safety to other vehicles, they often forget we share the roads with pedestrians and bicyclists too. As gas prices continue to climb and health issues rise, more people are choosing to ride a bike or walk. Although beneficial financially and physically, it can be an issue as pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are required to share the road in many situations. This will be more prevalent as spring approaches.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are at greater risk because of their lack of protection. It is important to remember that you are not the only person on the road. Sharing the road involves mutual respect by motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians. For a bicyclist or pedestrian, even a relatively minor, low-speed accident can be deadly. Here are some important tips for motorists sharing the road:

· Be aware of your surroundings. Frequently look in your peripheral vision, not just in front of you.

· Respect bicyclists’ right-of-way. When a bicycle lane is not present, bicyclists are supposed to travel in the right-hand lane.

· When turning, especially when making a right turn on red, check the crosswalk to make sure it is clear before turning.

· Check before you open your door. Many bicyclists are injured when they are struck by doors opening from parked vehicles.

· Pay attention to traffic and weather conditions. Adjust your speed accordingly.

· Always use your turn signal.

· Remember, pedestrians always have the right-of-way. You always need to be on the lookout for pedestrians, especially if you are driving in residential neighborhoods where there are many children around.

· Slow down and try to give the pedestrians as much room as possible.

Following these rules just may save someone’s life. The bottom line is this: Drive safely, drive defensively, and drive offensively. Share the road so that everyone – motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians – travel safely.

Mark Bello has thirty-three years experience as a trial lawyer and twelve years as an underwriter and situational analyst in the lawsuit funding industry. He is the owner and founder of Lawsuit Financial Corporation which helps provide legal finance cash flow solutions and consulting when necessities of life litigation funding is needed by a plaintiff involved in pending, personal injury, litigation. Bello is a Justice Pac member of the American Association for Justice, Sustaining and Justice Pac member of the Michigan Association for Justice, Business Associate of the Florida, Tennessee, and Colorado Associations for Justice, a member of the American Bar Association, the State Bar of Michigan and the Injury Board