Inexperience Contributes to Risk Among Young Bikers in San Francisco

September 07, 2012

Inexperience Contributes to Risk Among Young Bikers in San Francisco

When people think of bicyclists in San Francisco they often think of hard core bicyclists in their 20s and 30s who swoop in and out of traffic, but what many people may not realize is that preteen and teen boys are the demographic most likely to be in a bicycle accident in the Bay Area.

Young cyclists are the most at-risk bicyclists in the Bay Area. An analysis of bike accident information conducted by The Bay Citizen shows young bicyclists have the highest risk of getting into an accident. Cyclists ages 10 to 19 were involved in more than 3,200 traffic accidents from 2005 to 2009, which was more than cyclists in their 20s. Boys ages 12 to 16 accounted for half of the accidents.

Even though bicycles offer little protection on the road, bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic laws as other drivers. Some drivers and bicyclists in the Bay Area may not be aware that bikers are required to follow the California Vehicle Code, and the lack of awareness can lead to injury or worse. Their inexperience and lack of traffic law knowledge can make adolescent bicyclists more vulnerable than other bicyclists on the road.

In an article in The New York Times, Alameda and Oakland police explained that adolescent bicyclists often put themselves in harm's way because of their inexperience. Too often young bicyclists identify as pedestrians and ride their bikes through crosswalks or ride on the wrong side of the road. Data reviewed by The Bay Citizen shows that young bicyclists are cited two and one half more times for riding on the wrong side of the road than they are cited for any other violation. In some instances, adolescent bikers overlook stop signs and street lights.

Though many young bicyclists are not at the age to legally drive a car, they face the same risks of the road when on a bicycle. Adolescent bicyclists should therefore protect themselves by becoming familiar with California's traffic rules.

To stay safe on the road, all bicyclists should:
-Ride on the right side of the road
-Keep a safe distance from cars
-Stop at intersections regulated with signs or traffic lights
-Indicate turns by using hand signals
-Always wear a bicycle helmet
-Wear bright clothes
-Adorn bicycles with appropriate lights at night
-Do not wear headphones
-Give pedestrians the right of way

If you or your loved one has been injured in a traffic accident involving a bicycle, contact an experienced California personal injury attorney.

Article provided by Law Office of Reuben J. Donig
Visit us at http://www.doniglaw.com