Bicyclist And Pedestrian Safety During Coronavirus

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the United States and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, many people are adjusting to a new lifestyle. Stay at home orders seek to limit how often people leave their houses. However, most orders still allow people to leave their houses to partake in exercise. Many people in Pittsburgh have turned to bicycling to stay in shape. However, the Pittsburgh bicycle accident attorneys at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman want to remind both drivers and cyclists alike not to be lulled into a false sense of security because there is less traffic on the roadway. 

Pennsylvania, Stay At Home, And Bicycling

Pennsylvania may be under a stay at home order, but that does not mean residents aren’t finding ways to get recreation. Initially, the stay at home orders for Pennsylvania did not list bike shops as essential businesses. However, with outreach to the mayor’s office from several groups, that quickly changed. The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, local bike shops, and local companies like BikeCo know that bicycle shops are vital. 

Bike shop owners have reported an increase in first-time riders as well. As long as people maintain proper social distancing when they are out riding, outdoor exercising is encouraged. In fact, many people are using their bikes as their main method of transportation because they view cycling to work as less risky than taking public transportation, where COVID-19 may spread more easily. 

However, the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman does not want anybody to be fooled because there is less traffic on the roadways. Both drivers and bicycle riders alike need to be aware they must maintain proper traffic safety. 

We recommend that bicyclists:

• Continue to follow all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and stoplights, using marked crosswalks when they are available, riding on the right side of the roadway, etc.
• Never assume that there are no vehicles around or that a driver will see you just because there are no other vehicles on the roadway. 
• Wear helmets at all times to ensure maximum safety in the event an accident does occur. 

We also want to remind drivers that just because there is less traffic does not mean they can pay any less attention to the roadway. Put away all phones and other distractions and also be aware that there are many first-time bicycle riders on the roadway that may not be familiar with proper bicycle riding safety. 

Let Us Help You With Your Case

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident that was caused by another person’s negligent actions, contact the team at Shenderovich, Shenderovich & Fishman today. We want to investigate your case and work to secure any compensation you may be entitled to. This could include:

• All accident-related to medical expenses 
• Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
• Pain and suffering and loss of personal enjoyment damages
• Possible punitive damages against those responsible

If you need bicycle or pedestrian accident attorneys in Pittsburgh, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling 888-988-9467.