There are many Cary area residents who enjoy biking. Whether it is for fun, exercise or for getting places, biking is great exercise and a good way to get outside. Most of the time, bicyclists are able to safely share the road with cars, but occasionally, an accident occurs.
When a driver sees a bicyclist on the road, they should pay attention and drive carefully. Cars are not allowed to pass a bicyclist, unless they have 4 feet of a buffer. The law was changed in 2016 from two feet of buffer in order to help reduce the number of car-bicycle crashes. Many of these accidents are caused by drivers who are impatient and pass too close to a cyclist resulting in an accident. Every year, approximately 1,000 bicyclists are involved in accidents with cars, resulting in injuries and even death.
Drivers need to always be alert for bicyclists while driving on the road. Bicyclists have the legal right to ride on roads safely. Drivers need to understand that leaving a 4-foot buffer is the law and is also a safe way to pass these cyclists.
If a cyclist has been involved in an accident due to no fault of their own, they may want to speak with a legal professional who specializes in personal injury. An attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and determine who was at fault. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages.
Many cyclists are involved in an accident every year in North Carolina. It is important for drivers to drive safely when approaching a bicyclist and learn how to share the road with them.
