subject: Pedestrian And Cyclists' Accidents In Colorado: What You Should Know [print this page] With the number of bicycling commuters increasing in Colorado and throughout the U.S. through programs like Bike to Work, Ride to Work Day and National Bike Month, CO drivers will see an increase of the number of cyclists on the road, not to mention the number of people now walking as an alternative means of transportation.
Boulder, CO has one of the largest tri-athlete communities in America. Hundreds of cyclists and runners frequent the roadways daily there and throughout the Front Range of the Rockies. Other popular modes of transportation such as skateboarding, roller blading and riding scooters are also becoming a more frequently prominent means of transportation for today's youth. These people have rights too!
These days, there are too many drivers that become distracted by cell phone conversations and texting, radios, fast food, etc. that it becomes ever more difficult to be a good defensive driver as well as being aware of pedestrians and cyclists. The lack of awareness is growing. If you or someone you know have fallen victim to one of these crimes and you are reading this now, you have taken the right step to protecting your rights.
In many cases, the drivers of motor vehicles believe that they are in the right because of the size of their vehicle. Hummers and oversized SUVs tend to rule the streets with a "Get Out of My Way" approach to driving. Violations of these rights can and will result in legal action, if you have the right representation! And the government is on board...
In many cases, the inherent problem lies in the lack of provisions for pedestrians such as proper crosswalks with hand signaling lights and sounds for all people, proper space provisions on roadways and proper education for all drivers. However, the Department of Transportation is now including cyclists and their needs into the development and designs of federally funded projects.
As of March 2010, the Department of Transportation no longer considers the automobile as the autonomous ruling aspect on America's roads. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says on his blog that the needs of pedestrians and cyclists will be considered along with those of motorists, and he makes it clear that walking and riding are "an important component for livable communities." He also says, "This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized."
Beyond making it easier for cyclists and pedestrians to get around, the DOTs new $500 billion project is intended to make it safer for them to get around. A report released by Transportation for America and the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership found more than 43,000 pedestrians nationwide have died this decade due to what the authors say are inadequate crosswalks and safety features for pedestrians. Many drivers in Colorado and elsewhere feel the roads aren't safe for pedestrians, bicyclists or persons with disabilities.
Pedestrians are almost always awarded the right of way in Colorado unless, for example, when leaving the curb or a safe place, entering the path of a moving vehicle and causing immediate danger.
Some of the revised Colorado Statutes on this topic can be found here:
http://www.nmts.org/laws/coloradoBikelaw.html
Seriously injured victims struck by careless drivers through pedestrian injury accidents and bicycle accidents will be held responsible for their actions. Don't be a victim! If you have been injured in a cycling or pedestrian accident take action today and contact an experienced personal injury attorney!
