Bicycle Accidents

June 17, 2013

Boston Crash Study Sheds Light on Bike Safety Issues

Recently, the office of Mayor Thomas M. Menino commissioned a report to learn some more detailed information on bicycle accidents. The purpose of the report was to identify safety issues and to determine the top causes of bike accidents. Mayor Menino commissioned the report as part of efforts to improve bike safety and encourage bike riding in Boston.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys know that hundreds of bike riders are hurt and killed in accidents each year. Reports identifying causes of bicycle accidents can help to reduce these fatalities by giving lawmakers a starting point for setting safety rules and regulations. Public education campaigns and law-enforcement crackdowns can also be used to curb dangerous behaviors that are identified as top causes of bike accidents.

Bike Safety Issues Revealed in Mayor’s Crash Studies

According to the Boston Globe, the report sought to determine the causes of bike accidents by looking at many different sources of statistics on bike collisions. The data was collected and analyzed from the Boston Police as well as from Boston Emergency Medical Services. Data was also collected from Boston Bikes, which is a program that Mayor Menino began in an effort to encourage cycling.

The report revealed some general information, including the fact that the number of bicycle accidents increased slightly from 2010 to 2012. However, this increase was not necessarily bad news since ridership of bicycles has grown much more sharply than the bike accident rate.

The report also revealed that around half of all cyclists who were injured severely enough to require medical assistance were not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. This is about twice the number of bicyclists without helmets as compared with the total percentage of helmeted riders. This indicates that helmet use can have a huge impact on whether or not a bicycle accident will result in a need for medical help.

In light of the information on helmet use, the mayor’s office is considering making a push to require all bicycle riders to wear helmets. However, the executive director for the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition indicated that forcing helmets on bicycle riders is not the best response to the study because this is not a proactive position. Wearing helmets doesn’t stop crashes, and that is where the executive director believes that the focus should be.

The report also addressed some of the specific causes of bike demonstrating that:

197 bike accidents ocurred when a driver opened a door into a bicycle rider.
147 bike accidents happened due to failure to stop for red lights or stop signs.
197 crashes happened when the bicyclist and driver didn’t see each other.
108 crashes happened when a bike rider went into oncoming traffic.
81 bike accidents ocurred due to speeding.
Distraction was a cause of 58 accidents. Phones and electronics were also separately attributed to causing 16 accidents.
Aggresive driving was a cause of 57 accidents.
4 accidents may have resulted from the bicyclist being in a construction zone.

Based on this information, proactive steps to reduce the number of bicyclist accidents may include educating drivers about “dooring” (opening a door into a bike) and cracking down on drivers and bicyclists who drive while distracted or who run red lights and stop signs.

Enforcement and education are key to preventing bike crashes, and knowing more about why accidents happen can be very helpful in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities from bike wrecks.
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May 10, 2013

Massachusetts Ranks in Top 10 Most Bicycle-Friendly States

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

The state of Massachusetts ranked as the 6th most bike-friendly state in the country for 2013. And we pride ourselves on this ranking.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, Massachusetts earned this ranking for good reason. Out of a scale of 1 to 5, we got a 4 for our bicycle policies and programs. While not the best, we are far from the worst. We earned a 3 ranking for our legislation and enforcement, education and encouragement as well as for evaluation and planning.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that we’re not at the top yet, and it’s long road (or bicycle path) to get there. According to researchers, there are some simple steps that could help us to make our area safer for our cycling friends.

-Lawmakers should consider adopting a safe passing law with a minimum distance of 3 feet to address bicycle safety.

-Look into getting a tougher vulnerable road user law that increases penalties for motorists that injure or kill a bicyclist or pedestrian.

-There should be a law allowing transportation agencies to post 20 mph or lower speed limits under certain circumstances.

-State lawmakers should look into enacting a statewide, all-ages cell phone law for drivers to combat distracted driving and increase safety for everyone.

-There should be a policy requiring state official buildings, state parks, recreation facilities and other state facilities to provide bicycle parking.

-Since arterial and collector roads are the backbone of every transportation network, it is essential to provide adequate bicycle facilities along these roads. Increase the percentage of state highway network that has paved shoulders or bike lanes greater or equal to 4 feet wide.

-The state of Massachusetts is spending a low amount of federal funding on bicyclists and pedestrians. Adopt a federal funding protect rating criteria that provides incentives for bicycle projects and accommodations.

-Create a state bicycle rider’s manual to ensure bicyclists have a pocket guide for rules of the road, relevant laws, state bike route and other necessary information.

-Hold a bicycle ride sponsored by the governor and/or legislation to show their constituents that their elected officials support bicycle riding.

In 2011, there were close to 10 bicyclists killed in traffic accidents in the state of Massachusetts. According to the latest release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these fatalities accounted for close to 2 percent of all of the roadway fatalities recorded throughout the state that year.

And don’t forget that we’re in the middle of National Bike Month. According to The League of American Bicyclists, there are ways that we can all do our part to ensure that bicyclists have a voice out there and that we’re properly protected.

The truth is that bicyclists have a right to our roadways, too. Make sure you’re respecting these rights and looking out for our two-wheeled friends. And bicyclists — be safe out there. We can’t rely on the safe driving habits of other to keep us safe. Stay one step ahead of the traffic around you and stay out of the danger zone.
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December 19, 2012

Ghost Bike Honors Accident Victim & Draws Attention to Bike Accident Dangers

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

In December of this year, a Boston University graduate student was killed in a bicycle accident at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and St. Paul Street in Boston. According to Boston’s NPR news station, a ghost bike was placed at the intersection where the accident occurred.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys believe that ghost bikes serve a very important purpose both in honoring the dead and in reminding the public about the need for greater bike safety measures. Ghost bikes draw attention to the rights of cyclists to travel safely and remind passing motorists that they need to respect bicycle riders who they share the road with.

Ghost Bike Honors BU Student Killed in Bike Accident
The ghost bike that was set up to honor the BU student killed in the Boston accident is an all-white bicycle that has been described as a “touching yet sad reminder” of the accident at the intersection. The accident occurred when a tractor-trailer collided with the bike. Police are still investigating the cause of the crash.

One BU worker expressed approval of the white bike and its placement, indicating that it was an honorific tribute to the Boston student who was killed in the bicycle accident. The BU worker also indicated that he believed it was both a memorial and a statement that something needs to be done because cars and bicycles haven’t yet learned to co-exist peacefully in Boston.

The ghost bike is not the first of its kind to be used both as a memorial and as a message that greater efforts need to be made to improve the ways in which bicycle riders and drivers share the roads. The first ghost bike was seen in St Louis, MO in 2003 and more than 500 bikes have now been placed around the world in locations near bicycle accidents. Typically, bikes are put into place by family members, friends or other cyclists.

Improving Bicycle Safety
Ghost bikes help to drive home the message that there are very real consequences when a bicycle accident occurs. Tragically, in many cases, the bike rider suffers fatal injuries because the bike provides so little protection from impact.

Unfortunately, statistics indicate that more bike riders are falling victim to fatalities than in the past. In fact, the 2011 National Highway Safety Administration statistics indicate that there was an 8.7 percent increase from 2010 to 2011 in the number of bicycle accident deaths.

Efforts are currently underway in Boston to address the safety risks that bicycle riders face. Boston.com, for example, mentioned the Boston Bikes Program that encompasses efforts to educate the public, enforce bike safety laws and increase ridership.

These efforts go a long way towards trying to reduce the number of fatalities, but as this recent bike accident and the rising death counts show, there is more to do in order for bike riders to truly be safe when they cycle on the roads of Boston. Until that work is done, the ghost bikes serve as a reminder of the cost that comes with insufficient bike safety laws.
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September 2, 2011

“Shared Space” Aims to Unite Motorists and Pedestrians on Boston Roadways

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A 47-year-old East Boston man recently entered a not guilty plea to leaving the scene of an accident and motor-vehicle homicide at the Chelsea District Court after being accused of being involved in a hit-and-run car-pedestrian accident in Revere, according to the Chron. Prosecutors say that the man made an attempt to fix the damage on his SUV that was caused by the accident. He is being accused of striking and killing a 22-year-old pedestrian just before 6:00 a.m. The young woman was taken to the hospital where she was later pronounced dead.

Prosecutors believe that the man attempted to make repairs on his vehicle to cover up the damage and then attempted to wash it down with bleach to hide and further evidence. The man is currently being held on a $25,000 bail.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that pedestrians are extremely vulnerable to car-pedestrian accidents near our busy roadways. To help reduce the risks of such serious accidents, the Institute for Human Centered Design, recently discussed plans of Shared Space, which is a street design concept to help protect pedestrians traveling along our roadways. Shared Space is already a popular part of European roads, according to the Boston Globe.

This theory aims to reduce the number of curbs in our area. Researchers of the program believe that curbs are the enemy on our roadways as they serve as a barrier that determines which part of the roadway belongs to the vehicles and which parts belong to the pedestrians. Shared Space also frowns upon the use of traffic lights, road markings and street signs. Under the Shared program, streets are stripped down and all physical and psychological barriers are eliminated. Without these traffic regulating devices, motorists and pedestrians are forced to share the area efficiently and safely. Supporters believe that the roads can actually be safer by making them more dangerous and requiring everyone to think a little bit more.

“So what have we done here?” asks director of urban and transit projects at the Institute for Human Centered Design, Christopher Hart. “We’ve extended that curb 10 feet out. We’re forcing drivers to pay attention, and we’re forcing them to slow down even just a little bit because their field of vision has changed.”

For years now, the design of the street system in our area has kept their focus on efficient and speedy movement of vehicle traffic. Luckily, Boston and other large metro areas in the county are leaning towards the creation of safer streets for everyone. A number of organizations, transportation departments and advocates are campaigning the “human-centered design,” oftentimes referred to as “complete streets” or “context-sensitive design.”

“We live in an environment where everybody is in a rush,” says Thomas Tinlin, the city’s transportation commissioner. “Our job is to look at it as, if everybody plays by the rules, how best to move everybody through the system.”

There’s an area inside City Hall that is called the Traffic Management Center in which live video is surveyed of various busy intersections. A technician is hired to monitor these areas and make appropriate stop-light adjustments to ensure that the traffic flow’s steady. Whereas the focus of this technician has always been to get our Boston motorists traveling quickly and efficiently, a number of pedestrian advocates recognize the increase in on-foot traffic and are pushing to shift the focus from vehicles to pedestrians.
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June 8, 2011

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer Breaks Collarbone in Cambridge Bicycle Accident

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Over the Memorial Day holiday weekend, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer broke his right collarbone after being involved in a Cambridge bicycle accident. He was using the holiday weekend to enjoy some two-wheeled fun in the summer weather when he fell from his bike.

This isn’t the first time Mr. Breyer has been involved in an accident while riding his bike in the area. Back in 1993, the former Harvard law professor was hit by a motor vehicle while he was riding his bicycle across Harvard Square in Cambridge, according to Reuters.

Bicycle accidents of all kinds can result in serious injury — even death. Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers recognize the dangers of riding a bicycle is our area and ask that all bicyclists practice extra caution when traveling through the area on two wheels. With summer here, more and more bicyclists will be hitting the pavement to enjoy the beautiful weather. All riders are asked to ride with caution and abide by all bicycle laws.

Bicyclists in Massachusetts are asked to follow these state bicycling laws:

-Riders will use audible warning for other bicyclists and pedestrians. Sirens and whistles are prohibited, however.

-Be sure to park your bike on a sidewalk, but do not obstruct vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

-Lights will be used on your bicycle from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise.

-Reflectors should also be visible on your bicycle.

-Handlebars are not to be raised above the riders shoulder height.

-All bikes must be equipped with a working brake system.

-Cargo is to be carried in a proper basket, rack, trailer or any other device manufactured for this purpose.

-Riders are to travel with the flow of traffic and should not ride more than 2 abreast.

-If a bicyclist is involved in an accident resulting in bodily injury or property damage that result in costs of more than $100, a bicyclist must contact the police in writing on a Cambridge Police Bicycle accident report
-All riders 16-years-old and younger are required by law to wear a bicycle helmet while riding on a public way.

-Remember that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks. A bicyclist must yield to pedestrians in all traffic situations.

-All bicyclists are to obey all of the traffic laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This includes laws associated with red lights, stop signs, and riding with traffic.

-A bicyclist should not be towed by any other vehicle. This includes all cars and any other moving vehicles.

-Bicyclists in all areas of the City of Cambridge a bicyclist, while riding on the sidewalk, will not ride at a speed “greater than a normal walk.”

A complete list of bike paths in Cambridge can be found on the Bikely website.
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June 6, 2011

Recent Article Highlights Important of Bicycle Maintenance to Reduce Bicycle Accidents in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

A recent article on Boston.com brings up some excellent points about proper bicycle maintenance. With summer here, many residents will be dusting off their bikes and hitting the town both on foot and on two wheels. Riders are not only urged to be cautious of motor-vehicle traffic during their adventures through the city, but to also to be cautious about the condition of your bicycle. A properly kept bicycle can mean the difference between safe travels and a Boston bicycling accident.

In the Boston.com article, the author noticed a bicycle on his walk home that had been locked to a fence with the seat removed for months. Many bicyclists remove their seat to avoid bike theft. As the seasons changed, the bike remained locked to that fence. It had grown rusty and had almost seemed abandoned.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys urge all of our two-wheeled travelers to take good care of your bikes, in every season. Be sure that your tires always have enough air, that it’s equipped with proper lights and reflectors, that your chain is well oiled and that the brakes work properly. Many accidents can be caused by malfunctioning equipment. Venturing out on a bike that’s not taken care of can result in an increased risk for accidents in our area.

Once the snow cleared and the sun shined through, the bike’s owner appeared. The author spotted her one day bent over her bicycle with a can of WD-40 in her hand.

Tips to help you, and other fellow riders, to enjoy the bike riding season safely:

-If you’ve neglected your bicycle all winter long, be sure to check it out completely before breaking it out this spring or summer. Check to see if the tires look dry or cracked. Check your brakes. If you are not comfortable with these types of repairs, take your bicycle to a local repair shop for some help.

-Learn how to change a flat tire. Make sure each tire is fully inflated and free of debris. Inevitably you will eventually experience a flat tire. Learn how to change it yourself to be better prepared or to even help someone else out.

-Be considerate. If you see a bicyclist pulled over on the ride of the road, ask if they need any help. Bicyclers need to help and protect one another.

-Always wear your helmet. Statistics show that it can save your life. Your risk of serious of fatal injury greatly increases if you’re not wearing a helmet during the time of an accident.

-Learn the rules of the road. Look both ways, obey traffic lights, ride with the flow of traffic and wear light or bright colored clothing.

-Never pass another bicyclist on the right. This is especially important if they’re stopped at a red light. When you do pass someone, call out: “On your left” to let them know your whereabouts.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 600 bicyclists died in 2009 because of accidents involving a motor vehicle. These fatalities accounted for 2 percent of all traffic deaths during the entire year.

Most of these bicycling deaths from 2009 happened in urban areas at non-intersection. Most of them also occurred during the daytime hours, between 4:00 a.m. an 8:00 p.m.
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May 23, 2011

Bike Week Festivities Could Increase Bike Accidents Involving Motorists in Boston

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Earlier this month we posted on our Car Accident Lawyer Blog that May is Bike Month, and local businesses are hosting events all over town to raise awareness about bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere throughout Massachusetts.

The Boston.com reports that the city will be hosting 20 cycling events and at least 80 more throughout the Greater Boston region in honor of Bike Week. Boston Bike Week will be launched with events like the Kickoff Party at Giant Cycling World and Mayor Menino’s Bike Week Festival at City Hall Plaza.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers know that these events can be fun and entertaining, but we want to remind enthusiasts to be safe as they partake in the activities. Traffic will be heightened with both cars and bicycles, so be extra careful as you maneuver around town attending these events.

Municipalities, businesses and educational institutions throughout the state are excited about the MassCommuter Challenge being hosted May 14-20, 2011. The Challenge is a free and friendly competition open to anyone who lives, works or attends school in Massachusetts. Residents, students and employees pledge to bike everywhere they go throughout the week, or make as many trips as they can, to promote personal health and an eco-friendly environment.

Not everyone is excited about Bike Week with the anticipation of bike lanes being built along a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue. Boston.com reports merchants along Back Bay are miffed about the potential loss of business when the bike lanes take away 71 parking spaces on the east side of the street meant for patrons. The city plans to create bike lanes along the highly traveled stretch of Massachusetts Avenue between Charles River and the Symphony area.

The premise behind the lanes and the “number one concern of the transportation department” is safety, said Nicole Freedman, director of Boston Bikes, noting that Massachusetts Avenue had one of the highest crash rates in the city last year with 25 bike accidents requiring ambulances in the one-mile stretch. “Safety is definitely a paramount concern,” Freedman said.

Merchants in the area understand that bike safety is a priority, but they also know that businesses will fail if patrons have nowhere to park. Many customers call the store to ask about parking before they even make the trip to the area. Bicyclists traveling on the proposed bike lanes will likely be using them as a means to get from point A to point B rather than a method of transportation to go shopping within the Back Bay area.

Bicycle accidents are proven to be a concern in Boston and throughout the state. Bike lanes may help improve safety, but bicyclists and motorists should learn to share roadways and use caution when using the same streets to travel.
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May 18, 2011

Bike Sharing Program Could Increase the Number of Boston Bicycle Accidents Each Year

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Hubway stations are a hot topic in Boston right now as many cities are looking to offer kiosks to cyclists as part of the regional bicycle sharing program. An increased number of bicyclists raises the odds of a bicycle accident in Boston, so riders should be careful when sharing roadways with vehicles. Boston personal injury lawyers agree that the convenience of the hubways will encourage users to opt for bicycles over public or private modes of transportation because bike-riding is healthier and more economical.

We first posted about the topic of Massachusetts Hubways on our Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog earlier this month. The $6 million contract to be signed with Alta Bicycle Share is proposed to launch 61 bike stations and about 600 bikes throughout the city starting in July. The convenience of the bike sharing program allows commuters and visitors the opportunity to rent a bike for a quick trip or all day with the ease of returning it to any convenient kiosk location. The system will offer as many as 300 rental locations in the future, which means cyclists can get to and from their destinations with simplicity rather than withstand the aggravation of sitting in traffic or being late for an appointment.

Boston.com reports that Harvard is the latest to support bike share stations in Cambridge. Harvard will offer four Hubways in Cambridge and five stations in the Allston and Longwood communities. The bike sharing program will charge patrons a monthly membership or daily fee depending on what the bicyclist prefers. Quick trips under 30 minutes will be free of charge.

But the growing interest in the bike sharing program could concern bicyclists who have a higher risk of being struck by a motor vehicle. Bicyclists involved in motor vehicle crashes can sustain broken bones, severe head trauma or internal injuries that can change a victim’s life forever. The medical costs associated with hospital stays and medical care for these types of injuries can lead to a lifetime of debt.
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May 8, 2011

May Hosts Bicycle Month to Help Reduce Risks of Bicycling Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

May is Bike Month and for the second year in a row a North End business started the month off by hosting a kickoff event. Earlier this month, Urban AdvenTours, various other local businesses and bicycling groups gathered along the waterfront in Christopher Columbus Park as they enjoyed an afternoon of local music, free food and bike-related activities. The activities and the entire month is used to raise awareness about bicycle accidents in Boston and elsewhere in the United States.

“Last year we had tricycle races. I think we’re going to do something similar this year,” said Baylor Bennett, manager of the bike shop and bicycle tour provider. “There’ll be vendors giving out food and beverages.”

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that with springtime, many bicyclists will be hitting the paths and trails to enjoy prime pedaling season. As our residents and tourists do so, we urge everyone to be extra cautious this season as the increased traffic flow can also increase your risks of an accident.

In addition to helping to raise awareness, bicyclists are able to check out the latest technology and advancements in the biking world. Many are urged to grab their bike and even join a tour group.

According to Bennett, last year’s event was less successful than it could have been because during the same time of the event the area suffered a catastrophic break of a 10-foot-diameter pipe in Weston. The breakage caused all of Greater Boston to be put under a boil order.

“A lot of food and drink vendors couldn’t show up,” Bennett said. “So last year, I think we had closer to six or seven vendors, versus this year we have the full 15.”

As local reports show no major water pipes broken and the weather forecast calls for sunny skies and warm temperatures, Bennett is hopeful that this year’s event will be larger and better than the year before.

“Of course it’s right on the waterfront, which is gorgeous, and all the flowers are blooming right now, so the park couldn’t be better looking,” he said.

Bicyclists are always urged to ride with heightened alertness to their surroundings as they’re oftentimes overlooked by motorists. More than 600 bicyclists were killed, and an additional 51,000 injured, in motor vehicle accidents in 2009. These deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor vehicle accident fatalities and accounted for 2 percent of all injuries from traffic accidents in the same year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Massachusetts suffered nearly 10 bicyclist fatalities in 2009 as a result of motor vehicles.

A complete list of Boston bike paths can be found on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation website.
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May 6, 2011

Massachusetts Anticipates Hubway Hoping Easing Traffic and Reduce Risks of Bicycle Accidents

by Jeffrey S. Glassman

Massachusetts residents and visitors will soon be able to take quick trips in Boston as they’ll be able to rent bicycles from dozens of sidewalk kiosks as early as July of this year. Mayor Thomas M. Menino is scheduled to sign a $6 million contract with a company called Alta Bicycle Share. The company is also behind a program in the Washington area that currently boasts more than 1,000 cherry-red bicycles at nearly 115 stations.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that this $6 million dollar contract will put roughly 600 bikes and more than 61 stations in our communities before July. This increased pedestrian traffic may increase the risks of accidents on our roadways and we ask that everyone practice safe traveling on our roadways.

The new system, which officials will be referring to as the Hubway, will be starting off the program with roughly 60 bicycles. They envision the program to grow and to accommodate as many as 5,000 bikes in the future, operating from Brookline to Sommerville, according to Boston.com. With an increased number of bikes on Massachusetts roadways, drivers are encouraged to increase their awareness of bicyclists and pedestrians to help keep our roadways safe and reduce risks of potentially fatal Boston bicycle accidents.

Boston officials said the system will open in July with 600 bicycles and 61 stations in the city, though they envision growing in a few years to as many as 5,000 bikes at more than 300 kiosks, from Brookline to Somerville.

“The vision here is that it’s a seamless system,” said Eric Bourassa, transportation manager for the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. “I could pick up a bike in Cambridge and I could bike across the river and drop it off in Boston, and I wouldn’t tell the difference that I have a Cambridge bike vs. a Boston bike or anything like that,”

The program will not be funded by local tax dollars. Instead, the city is using grants and donations to cover the start-up costs. Corporate sponsorships and revenue from riders is planned to cover annual operating expenses after initial start-up.

Riders will need to first sign up for memberships, which will include a liability waiver and a pledge to wear a helmet, on kiosk touch screens similar to those of the MBTA. Memberships will range from about $5 a day to $85 a year. Trips less than 30 minutes will be of no charge and users will see incremental charges for longer rides.
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