NEWS & INSIGHTS   September 2014   The Ryder Law Firm
Greetings!

This issue of Justice for All addresses the rights of cyclists, to include just how often a cyclist is injured or killed while riding a bicycle on a public road. If you have been involved in an accident and are seeking legal advice, contact us today.
Cyclists' Rights (2 Wheels = 4 Wheels) 
  • Unless otherwise modified by law, a cyclist has the same rights and duties as the driver of a motor vehicle.
     
  • A cyclist has the right to use a full lane of traffic.
     
  • A cyclist must ride on the far right side of the road.
     
  • Cyclists on a road shall not ride more than two abreast.
     
  • If there is a path for cyclists adjacent to a road, cyclists cannot use the road.
     
  • Cyclists riding on a road or designated path at night must have a clear/white light on the front, visible from a distance of at least 500 feet.
     
  • Cyclists riding on a road or designated path at night must have a red reflector on the rear, visible from all distances from 100 feet to 600 feet to the rear. A red light, visible from 500 feet to the rear, may also be used.
     
  • Cyclists under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted and secured protective helmet.
     
  • It is against the law to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk in Huntsville.
Cyclist Injury/Fatality Statistics
 
Cyclists are injured or killed in wrecks more often than you might think.  Consider the following nationwide statistics from 2012:

How many cyclists were injured in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes?
Answer: 49,000 reported injuries
Note: Only a small percentage of bicycle crashes causing injury are ever reported to law enforcement officials (possibly as low as 10%).

Of those cyclists injured in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes, how many were between the ages of 10 and 15?
Answer: 7,000

What percentage of injuries sustained by cyclists were caused by being struck by a car?
Answer: 29%

How many cyclists were killed in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes?
Answer: 726

How many of those cyclists killed were between the ages of 45 and 54?
Answer: 154

What is the total resulting cost of cyclist injuries and deaths?
Answer: Over $4 billion per year.

How many wrecks occurred in Alabama involving a cyclist and a motor vehicle?
Answer: 174

How many people were injured as a result of these collisions?
Answer: 138

How many people were killed as a result of these collisions?
Answer: 5
  • 88% of all cyclists killed were male.
  • 69% of all cyclist fatalities occur in urban areas.
  • 30% of all cyclist fatalities occur between 4:00 p.m.
    and 8:00 p.m.
  • 24% of all cyclists killed were legally intoxicated.
  • Children 15 and younger account for 9% of all cyclists killed and 20% of all cyclists injured. 
(Sources: National Highway Traffic Administration, 2012; National Safety Council, 2012; Alabama Department of Transportation, 2011)
News
 
The Monte Sano 15k Run is scheduled for Saturday, October 11th, at Monte Sano State Park.  The race begins at 8:00 a.m.  The Ryder Law Firm is proud to be a sponsor of this event.

If you find yourself in need of legal assistance, one of the most difficult and important decisions you will make is selecting the right attorney to represent you.  At The Ryder Law Firm we understand this and take great pride in helping the honest and hardworking men and women of North Alabama.  If you've been seriously injured and you need serious representation, contact us.  It's what we do -- We help people.
 
Brad Ryder

In This Issue
  • Car wrecks
  • Commercial trucking
        wrecks
  • Nursing home neglect /
        abuse
  • Alcohol-related injuries
  • On-the-job injuries
  • Premises liability
  • Defective products
  • Insurance disputes
  • Business litigation
  • Federal employment
        law
  • Unpaid overtime /
        minimum wage
  • Whistleblower /
        False Claims Act
      

  • We do not promise quick settlements or make outlandish representations.


    Our goal is to obtain full and complete compensation for each and every client we represent.

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