The State of Minnesota is known for its northern woods, abundant lakes, and underperforming sports teams. In the last decade, however, Minnesota has also obtained a reputation for being a place where a cyclist can get quite the biking fix. In fact, Minneapolis has gained the title of #1 in Bicycling.com’s “America’s Best Bike Cities” and #2 in CNN’s “Most Bike-Friendly Cities.”
Cyclist Numbers Increasing Steadily
With improved and expanded bike trails, the number of bicyclists in Minneapolis has dramatically increased. Just recently, the 2013 Bike Walk Twin Cities Report showed that between 2007 and 2013, the number of individuals using bicycles as a form of non-motorized transportation increased by 78% in 43 benchmark locations in the Twin Cities. This is an upward trend that extends beyond the spring and summer months and into the winter season.
Car Crashes Are a Common Concern
A common dilemma for the avid or recreational bicyclist, however, is the danger of bicyclist-motorist crashes. While it is true that the number of cyclists has increased over the years and the number of crashes has decreased, the Public Works Department of the City of Minneapolis estimated in its 2013 “Understanding Bicyclist-Motorist Crashes in Minneapolis” that an average of 270 bicyclist-motorist crashes occur annually in the city. According to the same report, 93.5% of crashes in Minneapolis involve bicycles and automobiles. Additionally, a bicyclist sustained an injury in 87% of all bicycle crashes.
Minnesota Statute § 169.222 provides that every person operating a bicycle in Minnesota has the same rights and duties of the road applicable to a driver of a motorized vehicle. Minnesota law also requires that a driver of a motor vehicle exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist upon any roadway. Although these laws are designed to protect the bicyclist and motorist, accidents and injuries are inevitable.
Helping Injured Cyclists Get the Compensation They Deserve
As personal injury attorneys in the State of Minnesota, we seek to help injured bikers seek the benefits they deserve. A biker injured by a negligent driver may have a liability claim for wage loss, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages. Additionally, an injured biker may also have rights under Minnesota’s no-fault laws.
Our office strives to help individuals receive the representation and personal attention they deserve. If you have been injured in a bicycle accident, please call our office at 612-874-6109 or send us an email to schedule a free consultation.
Photo Source: en.wikipedia.org
