In many states, bicycles are a disrespected form of transportation, and bicyclists often find themselves on the losing end of collisions that were caused by the negligence of car drivers. While this may be true in parts of New York as well, there is a bit of role reversal in the city, where bicyclists play the part of large motor vehicles, and pedestrians are often the victims of serious injury. The results are bicycle accidents that can leave pedestrians in the hospital. The problem has reached the point where new safety measures are being put in place to help protect pedestrians.
Earlier this month, three New York City organizations announced some changes that will be made in an effort to make Central Park safer for everyone, particularly pedestrians. The Central Park Conservancy was part of the announcement, which changes the speed limit from 25 mph to 20 mph. The city’s Department of Transportation also contributed to the enhancements, which will include Pedestrian Crossing warning signs and roadway markings at four key crossings in the park.
New York City’s Department of Parks and Recreation was the third group to partake in the announcement, which also detailed plans to erect barricades in certain areas that should make pedestrians more visible to bicyclists. These changes are the latest in efforts to increase pedestrian safety ever since a September bicycle accident that fatally injured a female pedestrian. According to police, radar guns have caught bicyclists reaching up to 30 mph in the park, and there have been 35 instances of bicyclists striking pedestrians this year. Of those accidents, two proved fatal and three resulted in head fractures.
Hopefully these safety measures reduce the number of pedestrians who are wounded or killed by bicycles, but these changes are only taking place in Central Park. The bustling streets of New York City are also dangerous for pedestrians, where these safety measures are not being implemented. If you are a pedestrian and you have been injured in a bicycle accident, consider speaking with an attorney about the aspects of your case. You could be entitled to compensation.
Source: WABC-TV, “NEW SAFETY MEASURES TO PROTECT PEDESTRIANS IN CENTRAL PARK,” Nov. 18, 2014