New Yorkers got their first taste of Mayor Bloomberg’s ‘Bike Share’ program over Memorial Day Weekend. The program, featured in a New York Post article, has sparked much debate among New Yorkers. The question that remains unanswered is whether Bike Share represents an improvement. Will there be fewer car-bicycle accidents as a result of the new program? Will other planned benefits be realized?
On the one hand, anything that encourages people not to drive and use alternative methods of travel will alleviate congestion. Less traffic makes life in New York less stressful and makes the city easier to travel comfortably.
On the other hand, with bicycle and pedestrian accidents on the rise, will the ‘Bike Share’ program actually cause an increase in serious bicycle accidents? Only time will tell.
Bicycle accidents are dangerous because they leave the bicyclist in a particularly vulnerable position when they are in a collision with a car or truck. The bicyclist is virtually defenseless. That is why it is crucial that everyone observe the rules of the road and wear proper safety equipment, like bicycle helmets. Otherwise, the frequency of serious injuries and death stemming from bicycle accidents will only continue to increase.
If you or a loved one are involved in a bicycle accident, you need to contact an experienced accident attorney as soon as possible. Block O’Toole & Murphy has been representing victims of serious accidents for decades, consistently boasting some of New York’s top verdicts and settlements every year. To learn more about the bicycle accident lawyers at Block O’Toole & Murphy you can review the firm website at www.blockotoole.com. For a free consultation you may contact the firm at 212-736-5300.
Source: New York Post, “Uneasy riders: City’s bike share off to rocky start,” May 28, 2013.