In general, it’s difficult to protect bicyclists from the flood of other motorized traffic that often shares the same portions of roadway. The disparity in size, power and weight is so great with more vehicles contending for space in already congested areas.
Bike paths are designated safety solutions that many are heralding as a new standard in public safety administration. Bike paths provide safer spaces for bicyclists and get them out of lanes of traffic where they may be hampering normal flow and raising risks for everyone on the road.
Time for Bike Paths
After long analysis by public planners, many are now saying that bike paths have ‘proven themselves’ in terms of safety statistics. Resources like StreetsBlog show how, at the end of an extended dialogue, bike safety advocates have been able to prove that bike paths or lanes are not just expensive window dressing, but rather they really do prevent accidents.
The Philosophy of Bike Lanes
In creating dedicated bike lanes, officials are carving up or re-apportioning the public spaces that are vital for so many uses. One way to look at it is that, rather than forcing bikes to share the road with faster vehicles, planners can take a small segment of a sidewalk or curb area and allocate it for bicycle traffic. This may make the sidewalk a bit narrower, but in many cases, the safety outcomes will bend overwhelmingly toward the positive.
The concept of “deliberate use” brings order to a chaotic situation. Bicycle paths can turn a dangerous routine into a methodical situation with much less risk and much less liability. That’s why municipalities all over the country are getting serious about creating these public spaces for those who want to take advantage of alternative transportation without endangering themselves or others.
In new construction, these projects can be as simple as delegating a developer’s responsibility for apportioning bicycle lanes into a building and paving plan. For renovating existing spaces, again, public planners have to look at priorities and make the most of how original infrastructure was built. But in a day and age where energy efficiency is a major concern, where people want to invest in their health by using alternative means of transportation and public officials are really listening to health and safety advocates, bike lanes are more than just frivolous additions on a municipal plan. They’re an investment in the future and public health and safety.
Get Help From a New York City Bicycle Accident Law Firm
Bicycle riders injured in the New York City area can contact the lawyers at Rosenberg, Minc, Falkoff & Wolff. We will listen to your concerns and help you bring a case through local courts, explaining all of your legal options and rights under the law. Let us help you to figure out the best ways to secure money for the costs of care and recovery after a bicycle accident.
