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Study Claims Sidewalks More Dangerous for Bicycle Riders

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on July 18, 2011

Bike riders in Florida and Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham know very well that our state is the most dangerous for bicyclists. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 107 riders were killed in bicycle accidents in 2009, and our state ranks first in the nation for total numbers of bicycle accidents and numbers of people injured and killed year after year. This knowledge may inspire riders to ride on sidewalks rather than streets and highways, but a study conducted in California a few years ago found that riding on sidewalks is actually more dangerous than riding on streets and highways is!

The California study found that bicyclists who ride on sidewalks are at twice the risk for being injured in a bicycle accident. A Canadian study a few years later that also focused on sidewalks and bicycle accidents found that the injury rate was four to six times higher for sidewalk riding than for biking on streets and highways. The Canadians also found that 90 percent of all bicycle accidents occur at intersections. While not conclusive, the study suggested that riders who ride their bikes on sidewalks are less alert to nearby vehicular traffic and other potential hazards. In addition, the study suggested that drivers might not be looking for bikes entering intersections from sidewalks.

Our state has a very serious problem with bicycle accidents, and little is being done to raise awareness about the severity of the issue. This also ties in with our state leading the nation in pedestrian accidents every year. Numerous studies have shown that Florida’s heavy traffic combined with high speeds and a lack of sidewalks are contributing factors to our state’s ignominious accident ranking each year.

If you or a close family member is injured in a bicycle accident in Central Florida and you need effective, experienced legal representation, call Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham. He has law offices throughout Central Florida and has a proven record of success helping riders receive the maximum possible compensation through settlements and court awards. Call 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 today to schedule your free consultation.

James O. Cunningham

James O. CunninghamSince 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.

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