There are many misconceptions of Georgia bike rights and regulations; the
biggest mistake is people thinking that it is correct for someone to ride
his/her bicycle on a sidewalk. No person 13 or more years of age is allowed
to ride a bicycle upon any sidewalk, according to City of Atlanta Sidewalk
Ordinance, Sec. 150-210.
Unlike that misconception, it is well-known knowledge that when it comes
to an accident involving a bike and a car, the bike almost always loses.
When it comes to an accident involving a bike and a car, the bike almost
always loses. Unlike a fender-bender between two cars, if you are hit
while riding a bike, the chances are great that you will suffer injury.
Bike accidents often result in:
- Broken bones, commonly a broken wrist or broken ribs
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Injuries to internal organs
If you have sustained an injury of that nature or other serious in a biking
accident, the law firm of
Kalka & Baer is here to help.
In July 2011, Georgia enacted a law to help reduce the number of accidents
between cars and bicycles. Motorists must now maintain at least
3 feet of distance while passing a cyclist. The previous law only required motorists to keep
a safe distance.
As more and more people choose a greener, healthier lifestyle there are
more cyclists on our roadways than ever. Each year hundreds of people
are injured in bicycle accidents that could have been avoided.
Most bicycle accidents occur when:
- A vehicle fails to yield at an intersection
- A vehicle sideswipes a cyclist
- A vehicle turns directly in front of a cyclist
- A vehicle is pulling out of a parking lot or driveway
- A vehicle accidentally forces a cyclist off the road
- A vehicle runs a red light or a stop sign
- A vehicle being driven by a drunk driver
Again, if you have been injured in a bike accident, please contact the
law firm of Kalka & Baer to speak to one of our knowledgeable attorneys
about your Georgia bike accident.
We have handled numerous Georgia bike accident cases such as:
- An accident caused by driver negligence
- An accident due to an unleashed animal
- An accident caused by another cyclist
For more bike safety information, Georgia Bike Sense: A Guide for Cyclists & Motorists, published by the Georgia Department of Transportation, outlines basic traffic safety strategies…
- NEVER ride against traffic
- Signal to other road users – use hand signals to indicate turning and stopping
- Pull entirely off the road if you need to stop for any reason
- Be visible – bright colors like yellow, green or orange are recommended to wear
- Use lights in low visibility conditions
- Use a rear-view mirror
- Plan to stop if you’re approaching a yellow light
- Pass others on the left, not on the right
- Use caution at driveways and curb cuts
- Use extra caution around large vehicles like trucks and buses – drivers of these vehicles often have blind spots
- Ride in a predictable manner – avoid sudden, unexpected movements
If you have suffered injuries from a recent bike crash and are unsure about Georgia bike laws, contact Kalka & Baer for a free consultation.