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ChatMay is National Bike Month. As we approach the summer months, safety organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and across the country use National Bike Month as an opportunity to promote awareness of safe riding practices and the dangers of bicycle accidents. Consider these statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the League of American Bicyclists:
- Bicycle accidents are on the rise. The number of fatal crashes rose six percent from 2011 to 2012.
- Nationwide, 49,000 cyclists were injured and 729 were killed in motor vehicle accidents in 2012.
- Over two-thirds of fatal accidents occur in urban areas, and just 40 percent happen at intersections.
- In urban areas such as Boston, the number of bicycle commuters has nearly doubled in the past two decades.
How You Can Get Involved in National Bike Month
If you are wondering how you can get involved and use National Bike Month to make a difference in your community, here are some recommendations:
- Get out on your bike and set an example. Riding – and riding safely – will encourage others to come along. Whether it’s going to work, racing, or simply enjoying the sunshine on the weekend, riding with a helmet, high-visibility clothing, and a well-maintained bicycle will make you an ambassador for cycling safety.
- Find out about local biking days. During National Bike Month, many schools, employers, and ministry organizations sponsor Bike to Work and Bike to School Days.
- Plan an event. Why not plan your own event? Rally your friends, neighbors, and co-workers to ride for a good cause and get some exercise along the way. You can also plan and participate in events such as local bike safety days.
- Spread the word. The NHTSA and the League of American Bicyclists both provide several great resources and ideas on their websites for sharing information about National Bike Month and bicycle safety in general. NHTSA provides great safety tips you can tweet or share for both cyclists and drivers, and League of American Bicyclists provides social media resources, free downloadable posters, and even games for promoting bicycle safety.
At the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC, we encourage everyone to get involved in National Bike Month. Even if you do not ride, you probably know someone who does. By acknowledging the risks of bicycle accidents, we can all contribute to making Massachusetts and Rhode Island safe places for everyone sharing the road.
For More Information on Bicycle Accidents, Contact the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC
The Bottaro Law Firm, LLC provides experienced legal representation for individuals who are injured in bicycle accidents in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. To learn more about your rights after being injured in an accident, call attorney Mike Bottaro at (866) 529-9700 or request a free consultation online today.