Bicycle Accident Attorneys In NEW YORK

LAWYERS FOR INJURED CYCLISTS

NEW YORK BICYCLE INJURY ACCIDENT LAWYERS

Bicycling in New York City

Riding a bicycle in New York City offers a unique experience. Riders get a front-row seat to the city's diverse neighborhoods, from the historic streets of Lower Manhattan to the scenic paths of Central Park. However, navigating the Big Apple presents challenges. Cyclists must be vigilant, adhering to traffic laws while being aware of both vehicles and pedestrians.


One of NYC's efforts to promote safe bicycling is the expansion of bike lanes. The city boasts over 1,200 miles of bike lanes, including protected lanes that are physically separated from vehicular traffic. Popular routes include the Hudson River Greenway, Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, and the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, offering both recreational and commuter paths with stunning views.


Despite the strides in cyclist infrastructure, challenges remain. Issues such as bike lane blockages, navigating through congested traffic, and seasonal weather conditions can deter potential cyclists. However, the city continues to invest in bicycling as a sustainable mode of transportation, aiming to make it safer and more accessible. Learn more in this article The Challenges of Bicycle Safety in New York City.

Cyclists riding bicycles across the Brooklyn Bridge in NYC

Have you been injured in a bicycle accident?


Contact the best team of cycling accident attorneys

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Call 877-BIKE LEGAL

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Resources for New York Cyclists

Row of blue Citi Bikes-Bike Share program in New York City

More About Bicycling in New York by Bicycle Accident Law Firm Bike Legal

Are helmets required to ride a bicycle in New York?

Children under 14 years old must wear safety-certified bicycle helmets. Any parent or guardian who permits their child to violate the helmet law may be fined. Children aged 1 to 4 also need to wear helmets and use child safety seats. The law prohibits carrying passengers under the age of 1.  Local laws, like in Rockland and Erie counties, may require helmets for all ages on county property.

Can I ride a bicycle on the sidewalk in New York?

Riding on sidewalks is not generally prohibited by New York statutes, but local ordinances in some areas may restrict it. Sidewalks are primarily for pedestrians.  In New York City- Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk is prohibited.

What equipment is required on bicycles in New York?

  • A bell or horn that can be heard 100 feet away is required on all bicycles.  Sirens or whistles are not permitted.
  • A properly working brake
  • A headlight and tail light. A bicycle ridden between a half-hour after sunset and a half-hour before sunrise must be equipped with a white front headlight visible in darkness for at least 500 feet and a red taillight visible for at least 300 feet. One of these lights must also be visible on each side for at least 200 feet.
  • Reflectors on the wheels. A bicycle, when purchased new and/or ridden at night, must have reflective tires or wide-angle, spoke-mounted reflectors. Reflectors must be colorless or amber for front wheels and colorless or red for rear wheels.

Can cyclists in New York receive motor vehicle tickets?

Bicyclists who violate traffic laws can receive traffic tickets. Parents may be held accountable for violations by their minor children.

Should cyclists in New York ride with or against traffic?

Bicyclists are legally required to ride with traffic on the right side of the road.

Are bicyclists required to use shared-use pathways?

No. While they must use bicycle lanes on roadways if available, they can choose between shared-use pathways and the roadway itself.

Does a pedestrian or cyclist have the right-of-way in New York?

The pedestrian always has the right of way.

What other important bicycle laws are there in New York?

  • Bicyclists should sit properly on the seat and keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
  • Never attach or hold on to moving vehicles.
  • Do not use motorized bicycles on public highways.
  • Never wear more than one earphone connected to an audio device.
  • In New York City- Riding a bicycle in any park is prohibited except in places designated for bike riding. 

What should a cyclist do in the event of a bicycle crash in New York?

Report to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) within 10 days of a bicycle crash involving death or serious injury. If no motor vehicle was involved, file a bicycle crash report. If a motor vehicle was involved, file a motor vehicle accident report. Forms are available at DMV offices. Parents may file on behalf of minor children.

 

Any person aged 18 or older operating a bicycle who knows he or she was involved in an incident that caused serious physical injury, shall before leaving the scene of a crash: Stop and provide a name and residence, including street and street number to the injured party, if practical, and to a police officer. If no police officer is near the crash site, then that person shall report the incident as soon as physically able to the nearest police station or judicial officer. Leaving the scene of an incident without reporting is a Class B misdemeanor.


If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, contact a New York bicycle accident attorney who will fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

Cyclists riding bikes in Central Park, NYC

7 Amazing Bike Routes in New York City

Central Park Loop: A classic route in the heart of Manhattan, the 6.1-mile loop around Central Park is a favorite for both locals and tourists, offering views of the park's iconic landscapes.


Hudson River Greenway: This route runs along the West Side of Manhattan, providing uninterrupted cycling with stunning views of the Hudson River and New Jersey skyline.


Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway: Enjoy the Brooklyn coastline with views of the Manhattan skyline, passing through Brooklyn Bridge Park and other popular spots.


Prospect Park Loop: Similar to Central Park but in Brooklyn, this 3.35-mile loop offers a pleasant ride through one of Brooklyn's most beloved parks.


The Manhattan Waterfront Greenway: Encircling nearly the entire island of Manhattan, this extensive route connects a series of bike paths along the waterfront, offering diverse urban scenery.


Williamsburg Bridge Path: Connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn, this route offers a more urban experience with spectacular views of the East River and the city skyline.


Queensboro Bridge Path: Another bridge route, providing a direct cycling path between Manhattan and Queens with impressive views.

lawyer with gavel and book

Since 2019, the New York City bike accident attorneys at Bike Legal have fought for the rights of cyclists. We understand the unique challenges and dangers faced by cyclists in New York. Our dedicated team of bicycle accident lawyers specializes in representing and advocating for cyclists who have been injured on the roads of New York. We aim to provide you with practical and straightforward support as you navigate the legal complexities that may arise if you have experienced a bike accident or have lost a loved one in a tragic incident. We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

Car driver opening door into bike lane causing a potential unsafe dooring incident

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in New York City

In the dense urban landscape of New York City, bicyclists navigate a complex environment often fraught with hazards. Common causes of bicycle accidents in the city include:


  • Doorings: When a driver or passenger opens their car door without checking for oncoming cyclists, leading to a collision.
  • Intersection Accidents: These often occur due to drivers failing to yield the right of way, running red lights, or making unsafe turns.
  • Roadway Obstructions: Potholes, uneven road surfaces, and unexpected objects in bike lanes can cause serious accidents.
  • Vehicle Collisions: When drivers do not share the road responsibly, it can lead to side-swiping or rear-ending cyclists.
  • Distracted Drivers:
  • Pedestrian Interactions: In crowded areas, unexpected movements by pedestrians can lead to accidents.
  • Distracted Drivers: Accidents resulting from drivers not paying attention to the road and their surroundings, often due to using mobile devices.
  • Drivers Under the Influence: Accidents caused by drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs, leading to decreased reaction times and poor judgment.
  • Reckless Drivers: Incidents arising from drivers engaging in aggressive or careless driving behaviors, such as speeding or ignoring traffic signals.


These factors contribute significantly to the risks faced by cyclists in New York City, underlining the need for vigilant legal protection and advocacy. At Bike Legal, our approach is simple and effective. We thoroughly examine every case, assigning responsibility to the appropriate party and assessing the financial and non-economic harm that was inflicted. Ensuring that our clients have a comprehensive understanding of the legal process and can make well-informed decisions is our top priority.

It may appear difficult when navigating the legal landscape, but with Bike Legal, you have a trusty defender. We put our full attention on your case and work actively to secure the most favorable results. By providing
complimentary consultations, our team is committed to ensuring that legal aid is readily available to all cyclists in New York City.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle accident, the NYC Bicycle Accident Attorneys at
Bike Legal are here to help. Contact us today for experienced and compassionate legal representation specific to your unique cycling accident case.

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