With the increase in cyclists in the city, particularly after the launch of a new bike share program, the safety benefits of bike lanes will increase as well, says David Resnick of David Resnick & Associates, P.C. “It’s logical to assume that clearly drawn and marked bicycle lanes will guide drivers and protect bike riders,” said Resnick of David Resnick & Associates, P.C., a Manhattan personal injury firm that represents clients throughout New York City’s five boroughs, including victims of bicycle and pedestrian accidents. “Since New York City’s stated goal is to increase the number of bicycle commuters through programs such as the bike share program, it’s appropriate to increase safety measures, like bike lanes,” Resnick said. According to WNET, the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) is now holding workshops to discuss the bike share program. The report said the program’s first phase will feature 10,000 bikes and 600 stations. The program will serve lower Manhattan and reach Brooklyn’s Park Slope, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights neighborhoods. The NYC Department of Health estimates that over a half million New Yorkers ride bikes. Bicycle commuting doubled between 2007 and 2011, and the DOT says it hopes to triple it by 2017. Meanwhile, the DOT plans to expand its existing 400 miles of bicycle lanes in the city. “City residents’ consciousness about doing less damage to the environment, their interest in getting exercise and, quite frankly, their concern about rising gas prices should continue to feed the popularity of bicycling,” Resnick said. “But we have to make sure that we ensure the safety of these cyclists. “The rules for drivers include allowing at least three feet of room when passing a bicyclist, looking for cyclists before opening a car door or pulling out from a parking space and yielding at intersections,” the New York personal injury lawyer said. “But too often, cars, taxis and buses fail to responsibly share the road with bicycle riders. Bike lanes could help to reduce the risk of those types of accidents, injuries and deaths.” Resnick said a bicyclist suffering a personal injury because of a negligent driver may have the right to damages from the person who caused the injury. Likewise, if the person dies because of his or her injuries, his or her survivors may have a wrongful death claim. In some cases, the employer of a negligent party may be liable, he said. “If someone’s inattention or other negligent act results in a crash with serious injuries, those who are harmed should seek the advice of a professional, experienced legal team right away,” Resnick said. About David Resnick & Associates, P.C. David Resnick & Associates, P.C., provides professional and compassionate legal assistance to victims of injury and negligence. Founded in 1998, the firm is experienced at handling multiple types of injury and negligence cases in New York City, including motor vehicle accidents, hit and run, bicycle accidents, pedestrian injuries, trip and fall, construction accidents, premises liability and other kinds of personal injury and wrongful death claims. David Resnick & Associates serves clients in Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, the Bronx and all of New York City. Mr. Resnick can be reached at (212) 279-2000 or through his website’s online contact form. David Resnick |
