Family and friends are mourning the death of a bicyclist who was killed earlier this week when he was struck by a car. He was 85 years old. The crash happened on West 43rd Street at about 11:00 p.m. on Monday.
Media accounts report that the man had been riding his bike near Shepherd Street along the sidewalk. He then rode onto the street to cross traffic when a Hyundai crashed into him. Despite emergency care, he died later that night. The precise cause of the collision is under investigation.
Another cyclist died this summer after an accident in Austin.
These tragic events remind cyclists and motorists alike of the potential danger to bicycle riders. Nearly all of us have fond memories of “riding bikes” when we were young. And many of have continued to enjoy cycling as adults. What is often overlooked is that bicycles must obey traffic laws. When cars collide with bicycles, there is a risk of serious injury or death to the rider. With no protection provided by doors, roofs, airbags, or seatbelts, the rider is virtually certain to hit the ground in any collision. And, other than his helmet, the rider usually has nothing to shield his body. The bottom line is that cars and trucks should exercise extra care around bicycles, but cyclists must also obey traffic rules and ride defensively around motor vehicles whose drivers may not see them.
If someone you know has been injured in a cycling accident, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.