Millions of Americans in Indiana and across the United States ride their bikes each year. Biking is popular as it reduces carbon emissions in the environment and helps people remain active. Bikes are especially popular among children, who often see bikes as their first taste of freedom and independence.
Cyclists must share roadways with vehicles. This requires both drivers and cyclists pay extra close attention while traveling to prevent accidents from occurring. This is especially true with children who may behave erratically while riding. In a court of law, children are held to a lower standard of carefulness and drivers may be responsible when a bike accident occurs involving a child.
Drivers should exercise an increased duty of care when driving through neighborhoods and areas with parks where children often ride their bikes. Driving slow, remaining on the lookout for children and being prepared to stop should a child cross a road suddenly can help keep children safe. When a driver takes these precautions, they are less likely to be involved in an accident with a child cyclist and have a decreased risk of liability should an accident occur.
Bike accidents that don’t cause fatalities may result in broken bones, head trauma and severe lacerations. It’s important that children and adults who ride bikes take precautions, such as wearing helmets and obeying traffic laws, to stay safe. Drivers who behave negligently and cause pedestrian and bike accidents may be liable. For example, a driver who failed to yield to a cyclist crossing the road might hit them and cause severe injuries. The cyclist may be able to file a civil suit and collect compensation to help with their medical bills.
