Why are bicycles classified as vehicles?

Bicycles are classified as vehicles because they are a means of transportation that use human power to move on wheels. According to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which is an international treaty that regulates traffic laws in most countries, bicycles have the legal status of vehicles and cyclists have the legal status of vehicle operators.

This means that cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles, such as obeying traffic signs and signals, yielding to pedestrians, and following the rules of the road. Bicycles are also considered vehicles in most states in the United States, as well as in Australia, Canada, and many other countries.

However, some states and countries may have specific laws or regulations that apply to bicycles, such as requiring helmets, lights, or bells, or prohibiting riding on certain roads or sidewalks.

 

Bicycle accidents in the Bronx and how to seek compensation

 

Riding a bike and following traffic laws

Bicycle accidents could happen because a car’s driver commits a gross moving violation. Not all bicycle accidents are a car or truck driver’s fault,, however. A bicyclist that goes through a stop sign at full speed puts themselves and others at great risk. The establishment of bicycle-related traffic laws intends to curtail such potentially tragic incidents.

Bicyclists that follow fundamental safety rules, such as remaining in the bicycle lane, using hand turn signals, and traveling with traffic flow, could increase safety. However, deliberately ignoring traffic laws may result in injuries.

Negligent bike riding behavior

If a bicyclist is at fault for an accident, he or she could face liability claims. An intoxicated bicyclist might cause a car crash that leads to the driver, passenger, and pedestrians hurt. Personal injury victims would probably file a lawsuit to recover their losses, meaning the bicyclist might have to pay.

 

Surprisingly, the bicyclist’s insurance company could pay. The bicyclist’s auto insurance policy may cover all or some of the losses if the bicyclist has an auto policy. Perhaps there’s another policy in place that provides liability coverage. A food delivery bicyclist may have commercial liability insurance, for example.

 

You can also read: Fatal dangers to bicyclists in New York

 

Bicyclists doubtfully want to get involved in an accident, regardless of insurance coverage limits. Those bicyclists that ignore traffic laws may not avoid legal troubles forever, though.

Call us today at 718-557-9729, or get the Free Consultation you need to receive every benefit you deserve as a bicycle accident victim.