bicycle accident

Like our fellow New Yorkers, our personal injury lawyers know traffic in New York City is known for being notoriously congested and hectic. As one of the most densely populated cities in the world, the streets are consistently crowded with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists.

The complex grid street system, high volume of vehicles, and frequent road closures can lead to the fast-paced and competitive nature of the city, which can contribute to aggressive driving behavior and loosely followed traffic rules.

These factors combined have resulted in a significant biking culture, including bicycle messengers operating citywide. Unfortunately, the growing number of bicyclists pay the price during traffic crashes throughout the city. Motor vehicle collisions are more likely to result in fatalities when accidents occur at high speeds or when they involve someone other than another vehicle, like a bicyclist.

Data from the New York Police Department and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported out of 100,508 motor vehicle accidents in New York City last year, 5,688 involved a bicycle. This means bicyclists are involved in 6% of all citywide collisions.

Since 1998, the New York City bicycle accident attorneys at David Resnick & Associates, P.C., have worked tirelessly to enforce New York laws that allow victims of negligence to hold the responsible party liable for damages resulting from the accident.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a bicycle accident caused by negligence, contact our dedicated personal injury lawyers in New York City today to share your story during a free consultation.

Our law firm represents bicycle accident victims throughout New York City, including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, and the Bronx, and only works on a contingency basis. You do not pay our legal fees if we do not win your case. That’s a promise.

What are the Bicycle laws in New York City?

Navigating the bustling streets of New York City on a bicycle requires more than just pedal power—it also demands a thorough understanding of local traffic laws and regulations. Cyclists must adhere to specific rules designed to promote safety and minimize the risk of accidents. Familiarizing oneself with these laws can help cyclists navigate the city streets with confidence and avoid potential legal repercussions.

  • Bicycle Lanes: New York City boasts an extensive network of bicycle lanes designated for cyclists’ use. Cyclists are required to use these lanes whenever available, except when making turns or avoiding hazards. When riding in bicycle lanes, cyclists must travel in the same direction as traffic and yield to pedestrians.
  • Traffic Signals and Signs: Cyclists are subject to the same traffic signals and signs as motorists. This includes obeying red lights, stop signs, and yield signs. Cyclists must also signal their intentions when turning or changing lanes to alert motorists and pedestrians of their movements.
  • Helmet Laws: While not mandated by law for adults, wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged for cyclists of all ages in New York City. Children under the age of 14 are required by law to wear helmets while cycling.
  • Right of Way: Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when sharing the road. This includes the right of way at intersections and crosswalks, as well as yielding to pedestrians in designated areas.
  • Prohibited Behaviors: Certain actions are prohibited for cyclists in New York City, including riding on sidewalks (unless designated), riding against traffic, and clinging to moving vehicles. Cyclists must also refrain from using electronic devices while riding, as distracted cycling can lead to accidents.

Understanding and adhering to these bicycle laws is essential for cyclists to safely navigate the streets of New York City. By respecting traffic regulations and practicing defensive cycling techniques, cyclists can minimize the risk of accidents and contribute to a safer urban environment for all road users.