Indiana Serious Injury Attorney Discusses Bicycle Safety

I read in the paper today about the death of Ross Faris, the owner of Your Neighbor’s Garden, and former executive at Lilly.  Immediately upon reading the piece, I was taken back to driving along Grandview Drive and seeing the little self help stand.  It is one of those little “summer in Indy” memories that will always bring a smile to my face. 

I do not know any of the details of the Mr. Faris’ accident, but I want to take this time to talk about bike safety.  Bicyclists have a right to use the roadways.  Bicycling is good for so many reasons, not the least of which include improved physical fitness of the cyclist and conservation of fossil fuels.  I am both a cyclists and a motorist.  As a cyclist, I have encountered hostility from drivers. As a cyclist I have also encountered negligence by drivers, mostly those using cell phones, which have put me in danger.  As a motorist, I have encountered cyclists who do not observe the rules of the road and put themselves in danger, or at the least cause motorist frustration.

 There are a few ideas I always consider when I am a cyclist and a motorist that may help the situation.  Motorists:  Relax, you may get where you are going just a tad later than you wanted, but compared with a life time of guilt for that one moment of impatience getting there a little later is a small price to pay.  Get off the cell phone while you are driving.  In the context of this discussion,   it will save the health and welfare of a cyclist.  In the big picture it will save you from killing yourself.  Give the cyclist at least three- four  feet of leeway when passing.  This room will increase the safety for the cyclist immeasurably.  Do not yell at a cyclist as you pass them.  The cyclist has the right to use the road, and if they are using it responsibly, yelling at them does nothing but show you are at best impatient, and at worst a bone head.

Cyclists. Wear your helmet.  Be seen- Meaning wear light clothing, use flashing lights and use reflectors. Obey the rules of the road. Be careful.

I hope to see many more cyclists of the roads.  Let’s make sure everyone has a positive experience, and makes it home safe.