Personal Injury Claims for Pedestrians and Bicyclists

This morning, my son and I were walking my dog when a bicyclist hit my son. Luckily, nobody was hurt, but it reminded me of the rules governing bicyclists on pedestrian trails. The East Bay Regional Park District's rules are simple:

When overtaking or approaching other trail users, bicyclists are required to call out or ring a bell at a distance of not less than 50 feet. California state law requires that all bicyclists under age 18 wear approved helmets while riding on trails and roadways. California state law requiring bicycle lighting during darkness (a white headlight visible 300 feet ahead) applies on District trails and roadways.

Beyond these simple rules for bicyclists passing pedestrians, there are the general rules governing negligence and liability for the negligence of a bicyclists who hits a pedestrian. Bicyclists are required to use reasonable care when traveling to avoid hurting others. This means paying attention, not biking too fast, and not coming to close to pedestrians. Generally, if there is a rule applicable to the driver of a car, it is applicable to a bicyclist.

Pete Clancy is an Oakland personal injury lawyer. He can be reached by phone (925-835-7500), or through his firm's website. If you have been injured in a head-on collision, a rear-end collision, a pedestrian accident, or a bike accident, contact injury attorney Pete Clancy for a free consultation.