Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog

Our roads pose a gauntlet of risks for almost everyone who shares them.

As such, the Massachusetts Highway Safety Division is urging motorists at the start of 2012 to remind residents of the potential dangers to bicyclists, motorcyclists, car and truck drivers, parents, pedestrians and teens, with the goal of reducing the dangers on the road for everyone.

It's an all-encompassing effort that our Boston personal injury attorneys want to expand upon.

It's inspired us to kick-start a similar series on some of the same issues being addressed by the highway safety division.

The first in this series involves bicycle safety.

According to the state's highway safety division, 10 Massachusetts bicyclists were killed and 81 were critically injured in 2008.

Of those who suffered serious injury, those between the ages of 25 to 54 were at the highest risk. Furthermore, men were five times as likely as women to be seriously hurt in a Boston bicycle accident. Frequently, this has a devastating impact on the financial welfare of an entire family.

We want to remind all bicyclists that in Massachusetts, you are required to adhere to all the same laws as motor vehicles. This means that, for example, if you come up on a stop sign, you must make a full stop before proceeding through the intersection.

What you may not know is that as of January 2009, state law now also requires children bicyclists 16 or younger to wear a helmet. This includes children who are passengers on someone else's bicycle, and it also extends to children on skateboards, in-line skates or scooters that are on a public road or bike path.

The helmet has to be properly fitted and fastened, and must have a certification sticker from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Recently, public officials also began taking courses in the Complete Streets design concept, which is a road construction planning effort that incorporates roadways that are more user-friendly. MassBike administrators applaud this effort, and want to see bicycle safety put on the forefront of their local politicians' agendas.

Part of this was after Mayor Thomas Menino started the Boston Bikes project in 2007, which resulted in doubling the city's ridership. That's an enormous amount of newer riders on the road - which is great news for the environment, but concerning in terms of safety statistics.

According to the city, bicycle ridership increased 122 percent in the two years from 2007 to 2009.

Of those, only about 72 percent wear a helmet.

Of those bicyclists who required EMS assistance on the roadways, only 45 percent had donned protective headgear.

Nationally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2009, more than 51,000 bicyclists were injured. Of those, 17 percent were under the age of 14.

Because bicycle helmets have been known to decrease the severity of crash injuries, here are a few NHTSA tips on finding the right helmet fit:

1. Make sure when the helmet sits flat on your head, it fits snugly, and doesn't rock from side-to-side.
2. The front of the helmet should sit one or two finger widths above your eyebrow.
3. Center the left buckle under your chin.
4. If your helmet is on properly, you should feel it pressing down on your head when you open your mouth widely.
5. Make sure you buy a helmet that fits your child now - not one that you expect he or she may grow into.
6. Replace any helmet that has been in an accident.

Continue reading "Boston Road Safety, Part 1: Bicycles" »

Our Boston Personal Injury Attorneys recently told you about an article discussing the risks of accidents along the dangerous intersection of Vassar Street and Massachusetts Avenue. We discussed the actions that local officials are studying to make these roadways even safer. But that response isn't enough, according to city authorities.

The Mayor of Boston and Nicole Freedman, the Director of Bicycle Programs for the City of Boston have submitted a written response to that original article, posted in the Boston Globe. Freedman fired back against the article's assertion that not enough has been done to identify problem areas in the state. Freedman further responded to criticism that not enough action has been taken by officials in Boston and Cambridge to make these areas safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers understand that officials have installed bike lanes along both Commonwealth and Massachusetts Avenues. Yet these two roadways still rank in as the two most dangerous areas in the city for bicycle accidents. Regardless of what safety measures are taken to improve travel along our roadways, bicyclists and motorists are asked to practice safe traveling habits. Driver and cyclist attention and safety skills are our best bets to prevent bicycle accidents.

According to Freedman and the Mayor, there have already been a number of precautionary steps taken in the city to help keep bicyclists safe. Before the city launched the New Balance Hubway, the city of Boston launched an agenda aimed at improving education, enforcement and safety, with the ultimate goal of making the city of Boston the safest bicycling and walking city in the nation. Freedman goes on to say that the city gathers hard data and anecdotal information through interviews with residents and visitors. The city's transportation department has mapped out thousands of accidents using reports from bicyclist surveys. In addition to these collection efforts, the city says that hundreds of cyclists have advised the department personally with comments and concerns. Freedman says that this information is all used to map out the best steps to make the city safer for all travelers. It's an interactive process, she says.

In recent studies, says Freedman, Boston has been ranked as the second- and eighth-safest city for bicycling and walking. Yet, she acknowledges that more can be done. She concludes the article's response by saying the Mayor's administration will continue with its efforts to enhance safety on our city's roadways.

As City officials continue on in their efforts, pedestrians are asked to be cautious when walking along the busy roadways of Boston. Responsible and safe walking habits can help to reduce your risks of a potentially fatal accident.

Continue reading "Officials Respond to Recent Globe Article Regarding Bicycle Accidents in Boston" »

"This intersection makes me nervous,'' Marcia Pearson, a Somerville bicyclist, told a newspaper recently.

What Pearson is talking about the intersection of Vassar Street and Massachusetts Avenue. According to local police officers, it's an extremely dangerous intersection. Every day, there are thousands of motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists who use the intersection near the Massachusetts Institute of Technology campus. Intersection car accidents in Massachusetts are common at this intersection because of the high volume of traffic that this intersection withstands all day long.

Our Boston car accident lawyers understand that Cambridge officers responded to nearly 60 accidents at this intersection in 2007. Of those, 24 involved vehicles and bikes. Many resulted in injury, and some in death, according to The Boston Globe. For this reason, officers are targeting this intersection as a part of a roadway safety campaign that is being used by officials to improve traffic safety across the city, cracking down on those who violate traffic laws.

According to Jack Albert, Police Deputy Superintendent, accidents are inevitable with so many people using this intersection daily, even though there have already been efforts made to make the intersection safer.

Last year, road enhancements were made on Mass Ave, but officials with MIT urge the state's transportation department to change the timing to the traffic lights at the intersections to make the intersection safer.

But even with the improvements, there were 16 accidents at the intersection last year. According to the Police Department's list of the top five most dangerous intersections of 2011 in the city, this intersection ranked second, right behind Massachusetts Avenue and Gardner Street in Harvard Square.

This is the fourth entry of a 6-part blog discussing simple New Year's resolutions residents can make to increase the safety of all travelers on our roadways. This blog entry will be discussing simple adjustments that travelers can make at intersections to help reduce the number of accidents that we see every year in these areas.

Safe Driving Tips from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

-Always obey the speed limit. Remember that posted speed limits are the limits for ideal weather conditions. Slow down in poor weather conditions, like snow, fog and rain.

-Follow the two-second rule. Never tailgate. Allow vehicles around with you ample space. The more space between you and other vehicles the longer reaction time you allow yourself.

-Always use your turn signal to alert drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists about your intended maneuvers.

-Respect the crosswalk. You want to stop behind the line when stopping for a traffic light. Don't block these walkways.

-Never blog an intersection. Make sure you can make it safely through the entire intersection safely before proceeding through.

-Put down the distractions. Passing through an intersection requires your full attention.

Continue reading "Massachusetts Avenue: A Common Backdrop for Intersection Car Accidents in Boston" »

Just a week ago, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced it is discussing higher fares for travelers. That doesn't excite Boston residents, and many more are expected to turn to bicycles to get around. Residents are urged to be careful when hitting the roadways, as more bicycle traffic increases risks for bicycling accidents in Massachusetts. By taking the proper safety precautions and using the new stretch of bike lanes within the city, we can all do our part to help keep all travelers safe.

Yes, biking through Boston may be a little easier now, as there's a new stretch of bike lanes on Massachusetts Avenue, according to the Boston Daily. The new stretch of bike lanes stretches all the way from Westand Avenue to the Charles River. Transportation officials nixed about 70 parking spaces to make room for the new lane.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that biking in the city can be dangerous times. Transportation officials recently put in new bicycle lanes in between Melnea Cass and St. Botolph Street. Next, they'll be looking to connect these lanes to Massachusetts Avenue and then later to Melnea Cass. Last summer, Mayor Tom Menino launched the New Hubway bike share program and declared Boston as a biking city. Hubway offers rented bicycles for residents and visitors throughout the city.

"The car is no longer king in Boston," Menino told the paper.

This is fifth entry of a 6-part blog regarding New Year's resolutions that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians can take to make the roadways of Boston safer for everyone. In this entry, we will be discussing bicyclists and the resolution they can make to achieve this goal. It's no doubt Boston was built for bikes. It's important to make sure everyone is riding safely to help to reduce the risks of vehicle-bicycle accidents throughout the state.

To help get riders to bike safely, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is here to offer some safe bicycling tips.

Bicycle Safety Tips:

-Be cautious of the traffic around you. Roughly 1 percent of the traffic deaths in Massachusetts are bicyclists.

-Bicyclists should always follow the rules of the road.

-Always travel in the travel lane on the right. You never want to bike in between lanes.

-Be sure to stop at all stop signs and red lights. These traffic devices aren't option for bicyclists.

-Be sure to always use turn signals and hand signals when moving through traffic,

-Ride in the same direction as other traffic. You don't want to ride against traffic.

-You should equip your bikes with lights when riding at night.

-Avoid dooring - or being hit by a vehicle door - by staying out of the door zone. Steer clear of parked vehicles.

-Bicyclists under the age of 16-years-old are required by state law to wear a helmet. Everyone else is urged to do the same.

Continue reading "Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts Expected to Rise with Proposed T Fare Hikes" »

Bicycle accidents in Massachusetts occur all too often. Many bicycle accidents involve a vehicle or another bicycle, or happen because of a poorly paved road or road debris getting in the way. Do you know what to do in the event of a bicycle accident in Boston or elsewhere in the state?

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers offer a complete checklist for what to do in case you find yourself in a bicycle accident. First and foremost, you want to make sure that you're safe. If you've fallen, you want to make sure that you don't move until a medically-qualified person checks you to make sure you're not seriously injured. Beyond what needs to be done to make sure that no bones are broken and that you're not bleeding, you're going to want to lay there for a couple of minutes. Try not to panic, but relax to calm down and collect your thoughts.

If you or your bicycle is in harm's way, you want to make a note of where your bicycle and you were after the accident. If there are motor vehicles involved, make a note of their location before they move clear of traffic. You'll need this information to give to the Registry of Motor Vehicles and for law enforcement officers when you fill out a report for the accident.

If medical responders are called to the scene, do not refuse assistance unless you are absolutely positive you're not injured. If you have the smallest of doubts, allow qualified medical assistance to help you.

Immediately following an accident:

-Identify Principals: You're best bet is to see the driver's licenses and registrations of people and vehicles involved in the accident. Jot down their names, driver's license numbers, insurance companies and addresses. Try to get the same information from witnesses, too. Take note of the injuries that were suffered by other people who were involved in the accident.

-What if a driver leaves the scene?: If a driver has been involved in a collision and leaves the accident site before providing identification, he or she has broken the law. Get the license plate number if you can. Give this information to police immediately and then once again when you file an accident report.

-Check out your bicycle: Even if you think you're ready to get back up and ride, don't do it if your bike has been damaged. Oftentimes bicycles can be damaged beyond our knowledge and can contribute to a serious accident in the future. If you do decide to call a cab, consider grabbing a receipt for the ride as you can get reimbursed after filing a claim with the insurance company.

How to file a bicycle accident report:

-According to state law, you need to file a report within five days for an accident that injures someone or results in property damage of more than $1,000 You can grab one of these reports from a police station or on the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's RMV website. When you fill out the report, make four copies and send one to the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles, one to the police department nearest the accident site, one to the insurance companies and keep one for yourself.

Continue reading "How to Report a Bicycle Accident in Massachusetts" »

A recent bicycle accident near Norwood involving two young boys is a reminder of how dangerous roadways are for bicyclists in our area.

Wicked Local Walpole reports two boys, ages 9 and 10, were struck from behind by a Toyota sedan as they were bicycling down the roadway in a rural area of West Walpole. One boy was riding on the bicycle while the other was holding on and being towed on a skateboard. The 9-year-old suffered head trauma and was transported via helicopter to New England Medical Center in Boston. The 10-year-old suffered a leg injury and was taken to Norwood Hospital. Local authorities report the 61-year-old driver claims she never saw the boys before making impact with the bicycle. The vehicle ran over the bicycle as the children were thrown to the opposite side of the road. The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Sun glare, the influence of drugs or alcohol, and cell phone use have all been ruled out. Officials believe the driver was traveling under the speed limit, so speed doesn't appear to be a factor either. Charges are pending the complete investigation of the accident. The boys have been released from the hospital.

Boston bicycle accident attorneys know that Boston streets and roadways are extremely dangerous for bicyclists especially on Mass Ave. From 2002 to 2009, several bicycle accidents have been reported at different intersections running along Mass Avenue. As many as 140 accidents and 100 bicycle injuries were reported at three different intersections during this time period.

City officials are striving to make Boston a more bike-friendly city. Boston.com reports Mayor Menino announced plans in early November to install a bike lane on Mass Ave where parking spaces currently exist. Though bike enthusiasts are celebrating the movement, local businesses and merchants are not happy about the prospect of taking away business from their establishment.

The lane is being installed due to bicycling safety concerns. A student at Northeastern University is one of many cyclists who have had close calls or near misses while riding in and around the city. The City of Boston website reports from 2007 to 2009, bicycle ridership has increased by 122 percent. More riders mean more crashes. During that period, 37 percent of bicycle crashes have been with a car compared to 5 percent involving a pedestrian; most of them occurring on Commonwealth or Massachusetts Avenues.

Bicyclist and motorist awareness is the key to making roadways safer, even with the use of bike lanes. There is so much distracting technology nowadays for both riders and drivers that inattentiveness has moved to the forefront as a leading cause of bicycle-car accidents in Boston and elsewhere.

Whether you ride a bicycle to commute to work, to school or purely for the enjoyment and exercise, children and adults need to stay alert and makes themselves seen by passing motorists.

Continue reading "Installation of Bike Lanes on Mass Ave Should Help Reduce Boston Bicycle Accidents" »

A number of prominent state agencies have reaffirmed their continued commitment to help bicyclists and motorists share the road safely with one another. One of those organizations is MassBike, the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition, offering information and guidelines that may surprise you.

MassBike urges travelers throughout the state to visit the"Same Roads. Same Rules." website for helpful resources about bicycling-related information. The website is also used to help raise awareness about the dangers that bicyclists face. Please consider taking a few minutes to get better educated about how to make traveling safer and help reduce the risks of bicycling accidents in Massachusetts.

Our Boston bike accident attorneys understand that the solution to all of our problems ultimately lies within us. With safe, cautious and considerate driving habits (both on bikes, on foot and in vehicles) we can all help make our roadways safe and fair for everyone. In addition to rules and regulations, a little common sense can go a long way as well.

Common motorist myths:

False. These signs are used most commonly when there isn't enough space for bikers to have their own lane. This sign means that motorists should be extra cautious of bicycles. The law allows bicyclists to use up an entire lane, meaning that they can ride in the middle of your driving lane if they choose to do so. Bikers will usually accommodate the faster-moving traffic (you) and will get out of the way. They may not be able to do so right away though, so give them a little time and refrain from honking, which can startle a bicyclist.

False. New, unskilled bikers typically occupy this lane. Therefore, more experienced bikers tend to ride along the roadway. Motorists should remember though, while a biker can come into roadway lanes, it is illegal to drive or park in the bike lane if you're in a motorized vehicle.

False. Bicycles belong in the street, as they are legally considered vehicles. Bicycles on sidewalks are much more dangerous than bicycles on roadways. In fact, roads were paved for bicyclists, and state law says it's illegal for an adult bicyclist to ride on a sidewalk.

Since both bikes and cars and considered vehicles, they have to all follow the same rules. When riding in the road, bikers are urged to abide by all road signs and signals just as a vehicle would. This goes for right-of-way rules as well. The only variation in the rules each party much follow is where these vehicles can ride. Bicycles aren't allowed to ride on limited access highways, etc.

We urge you to visit the "Same Road. Same Rules." website. There are some rules and information that may surprise you. It's important to remember that everyone is required to follow the same road rules and should do so considerately and compassionately.

The other agencies partnering with MassBike on the Same Roads. Same Rules. website are: the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT); the Department of Conservation and Recreation; Department of Public Health; and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security

Continue reading ""Same Roads. Same Rules." Debunks Myths to Help Prevent Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts" »

On our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, we recently told you about the top 200 most dangerous areas in the state for pedestrians. Throughout this blog entry we will be discussing the most dangerous areas for bicycling accidents in Massachusetts. According to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), areas near Hampshire Street, Beacon Street, Kirkland Street and Cambridge Street made up the most dangerous cluster for bicyclists in the state.

Our Cambridge pedestrian accident attorneys understand that this area has seen more than 100 bicycling accidents from 2002 to 2009, resulting in injuries to more than 70 bicyclists. The second most dangerous cluster for these types of accidents was the area of Cambridge Street between Lansdowne Street and Hancock Street. In this area, nearly 80 bicycling accidents injured nearly 50 bicyclists during the same time period.

Officials are most worried about child bicyclists since the school year has recently begun. Officers ask that parents talk with their bicycling students to help ensure they are commuting safely to and from school. We urge you to teach them of the importance of making eye contact with drivers as they're approaching and crossing intersections. They should also understand the need to continually examine their surroundings as they're crossing the street. Children need to be as predictable and as visible as possible. Make motorists aware of their presence.

"Make sure your child is age-appropriate to walk to school by themself," said Cambridge Deputy Police Superintendent Jack Albert, according to a recent ABC5 report.

It is important for parents to help their child to figure out the safest route to school. Parents are urged to locate the intersections that have crossing guards to help ensure your little bicyclist's safety. Young travelers are always safest using the instruction of a crossing guard.

The state compiled a list of the most dangerous intersections in terms of frequency of accidents and the number of people injured and killed in accidents. Many of these intersection "clusters" have been the site of a number of accidents.

The third most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Hudson Street and Milton Street.

-More than 60 bicycling accidents.

-Nearly 50 injured bicyclists.

The fourth most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Vassar Street and Blanche Street

-Nearly 50 bicycling accidents.

-Nearly 30 bicycling injuries.

The fifth most dangerous bicycle cluster from 2002 to 2009:

-Massachusetts Avenue, between Bow Street and Sellers Street.

-30 bicycling accidents.

-20 bicycling injuries.

Many of these accidents can be avoided if everyone does their part to take notice of one another. Bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road as well and should be treated as equal travelers. As we continue to promote the eco-friendly, active way to commute through the area, we also have to promote safe driving habits and ask motorists to keep an eye out for our two-wheeled travelers.

Continue reading "Top Dangerous 'Clusters' for Bicycle Accidents in Massachusetts" »

We recently discussed on our Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog the 7th annual Hub On Wheels 2011 event.

This all-day event is put on by the Governor of Boston to help raise awareness about the presence of riders in our area to help decrease their risks of a bicycling accident in Boston and elsewhere throughout the state.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 25th. The main focus of the event is the bike ride, which starts and finishes on City Hall Plaza in downtown Boston. Riders can choose the 10-, the 30- or the 50-mile route. During the ride, bicyclists will be able to enjoy the Boston Harbor, a number of historic neighborhoods and a vehicle-free Storrow Drive. A complete map of the racing route can be found on the event's website.

Our Boston bicycle accident lawyers urge all residents to come out and enjoy the festivities for the Hub On Wheels event. We also ask everyone, both riders and motorists, to be cautious of one another on our roadways. Safe and alert driving/bicycling skills are one of the most effective ways to prevent a fatal accident on our roadways.

Participants are urged to head on over to the Hub on Wheels registration website to sign up now for the riding event.

During the same weekend, Boston residents will have a chance to watch the third annual TD Bank Mayor's Cup Professional Criterium race as well. National bicycling champions, a number of Olympic cyclists and more than 200 other profession bike racers will be participating in this event. This race will take place at Government Center and racers will be competing for $40,000 in cash prizes. In this race, residents will be able to watch hundreds of professional bikers speed around the course at high speeds.

The fun doesn't end there. The event will also host the Boloco Block Party, which will be going on all day.

Residents are urged to come down to City Hall Plaza on the 25th to enjoy music, food and informational displays and demonstrations. Parents can bring along children as the event will also host the second annual mascot race and the kids' race. This race is open to all bicyclists age 2- to 9-years-old.

Residents are also asked to volunteer for the Hub On Wheels event. It's a great opportunity to give back to the community and help to raise awareness about the number of bicyclists on our roadways.

We look forward to seeing everyone out at this year's event and ask that you invite your friends. Remember that bicyclists are required to follow the same rules of the road as motorists, therefore should be treated as equal travelers. With cautious and alert driving habits, we can all do our part to help reduce the risks of these oftentimes fatal accidents.

Continue reading "Hub On Wheels 2011 Aims to Raise Awareness and Decrease Risks of Bicycle in Massachusetts" »

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has been working diligently to partner up with approximately 350 schools and more than 115 communities to educate our students about the dangers of walking and biking to school in an effort to make their walk or bike to school is a little bit safer.

The program will be spending nearly $4.5 million for the Safe Routes initiatives this year. This program is expected to reach at least a quarter of all of the students and attempts to reduce the risks of child injury in Massachusetts.

This is the second entry of a three part blog in which we're focusing on the importance of safe traveling to and from school. In the last entry we discussed students and their trips to school on school buses. Throughout this blog entry we will be discussing safety matters regarding students who either walk or bike to school.

Our Boston personal injury attorneys understand that car accidents are the leading cause of death for our young children. Approximately 20 percent of these fatalities are a result of pedestrian-car accidents. This number is so high because experts believe that many children are not properly educated about safe on-foot traveling and that young children are unable to safely negotiate traffic. For this reason, parents are urged to speak with their child who may be walking or riding their bike to school this year about safe traveling habits that can help keep them safe and accident-free on our roadways.

The Safe Routes program focuses on 5 key points:

-Education

-Engineering

-Encouragement

-Evaluation

-Enforcement

In 2007, there were approximately 27,440 children that were treated in emergency rooms for pedestrian-related injuries.

Parents should talk with their child about the following safety tips, provided by the National Safety Council, if your child is walking to school this year:

-Parents are urged to walk to school with students that are under the age of 10.

-Children should always walk on a sidewalk if one is available. If there's no sidewalk, children should walk away from the road, but facing oncoming traffic.

-Remind your child to always cross the street at an intersection or at a street corner.

-Warn children to look both ways for oncoming cars before stepping off the curb to cross the street.

-Keep looking left and right as you're crossing the road.

-Don't run across the street. Always walk. Running makes you more likely to trip and fall in the middle of the street.

-Make sure a child never darts out in front of a parked car because if there's a motorists coming on the other side of the vehicle, they may not have time to react or stop.

Parents should talk with their child about the following safety tips if their child is riding their bike to school this year:

-Make sure your child always wears a helmet when they're riding a bicycle.

-Make sure that the helmet fits properly. To check the fit properly, make sure that the width of two fingers fits between the bottom of the helmet and your child's eyebrows.

-Make sure they understand the rules of the road. If they don't you should ride to school with them until they do.

-Make sure they know to ride on the right side of the road. If they're riding with others then they should travel in a single-file line.

-Always come to a complete stop before attempting to cross the street.

-Wait until a driver signals that it's okay to cross the street.

-If you're riding to or from school when it's dark out, remember to wear bright colors.

-Your child's bike should always have reflective tape and lights on it so that they're more visible to motorists.

-Practice. Practice. Practice!

Continue reading "State Officials Step up Pedestrian Safety Efforts to Decrease Risks of Child Injury in Massachusetts this Year" »

Boston is endorsing a new type of transportation for enjoyable summer travel -- bikes! The New Balance Hubway, named after the athletic company, is the city's new bike-sharing program. It was recently launched at City Hall Plaza. New Balance is a lead sponsor of the bicycle program. Mayor Thomas M. Menino presided over the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The city looks to use bicycling as a way to reduce roadway congestion and to urge residents to get out and be active, but they warn riders to still be cautious in their travels to avoid a bicycling accident in Boston.

"Over the past four years, we have taken great strides toward making Boston a city that welcomes and encourages bicycling but this innovative bike share system may be the most significant step yet," Menino said in a recent statement. He said officials were confident there is "no better time to make Hubway a reality."

Our Massachusetts bicycle accident attorneys would like to tell you a little bit about the new program. New Balance Hubway consists of more than 60 kiosks that are set up around the city that allow would-be bicyclers to rent one of 610 bikes. When a rider is done using the bicycle, all they have to do is return it to any Hubway kiosk.

In celebration of the Hubway launch, registered Hubway members and employees of Hubway sponsors rode 200 of the bikes around the city.

Looking to rent a bike from Hubway?:

-A bike will cost you $5 for a 24-hour period.

-You can also rent a bike for a three-day period for only $12.

-An annual Hubway membership costs $85.

-Fees are added for rides longer than 30 minutes.

Bicyclists are urged to be cautious on their rented bikes when traveling among motor vehicles. Here are some important safety tips to help keep you safe:

-Make sure that you ride with traffic, never against it.

-Obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. Cyclists are also required to come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, just like motor vehicles.

-Never ride on expressways, drives, highways or interstate routes unless authorized by signs.

-Always ride predictably. Do not weave in and out of traffic. Riding predictably reduces your chances of an accident with a vehicle.

-Make eye contact with drivers before changing lanes or making a turn. Make sure that drivers see you before making a turn or crossing in front of them.

-Be on the lookout for open car doors. Always be prepared for the possibility of a car opening in your path.

-Wear brightly colored clothing to remain visible. During the evening hours, use reflective materials and lights.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 650 bicyclists killed because of motor-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009 alone. Another 51,000 were injured in these incidents. Massachusetts witnessed nearly 10 bicyclist deaths during that same year.

Continue reading "Boston Launches New Balance Hubway -- Advocates Worry about Massachusetts Bicycling Accidents" »

During the summer months, bicyclists of all kind hit our roadways to enjoy the season's warm weather and some outdoor excitement. What many bicyclists don't take into consideration is their increased risk of being involved in a Massachusetts bicycle accident.

Brookline Police have already made nearly 450 bicycle stops and have issued more than 20 citations to bicyclists that have been ignoring bicycle laws. The increased enforcement is to help raise awareness about the importance of bicycle safety during the remaining weeks of the summer.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that most of these bicycle stops have only resulted in verbal warnings, but we believe that the increased enforcement efforts can truly help to reduce the number of serious and fatal bicycle accident. Bicyclists who continue to ignore bicycle laws could soon face tickets, fines or even serious accidents. Still, enforcing the laws for motorists would be a better use of time and resources; the vast majority of serious and fatal Massachusetts cycling accidents are the fault of negligent motorists.

"They wanted to share the road and unfortunately they have to share the violations too," said Officer Fred Amendola.

As biking becomes more and more popular in the Boston area, many safety advocates are calling for more road-sharing etiquette and crackdowns on bicycle-law breakers.

"Obey all traffic laws including stops signs, traffic lights, and other traffic controls. Bicyclists fare best when they act and are treated as drivers of vehicles," states the The Brookline Town website.

Some important bicycle laws are as follows, according to Mass Bike:

-Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.

-Bicyclists must give pedestrians an audible signal before overtaking or passing them.

-Bicyclists must ride astride a regular, permanent seat that is attached to your bicycle.

-Your bicycle's brakes must be good enough to bring you to a stop, from a speed of 15 mph, within 30 feet of braking. This distance assumes a dry, clean, hard, level surface.

-Bicyclists must keep one hand on the handlebars at all times.

-Bicyclists must notify the police of any accident involving personal injury or property damage over $100.

-Bicyclists that are 16 years old or younger must wear a helmet that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements. The helmet must fit your head and the chin strap must be fastened.

-You may not modify your bike so that your hands are higher than your shoulders when gripping the handlebars.

-You are not permitted to carry a passenger anywhere on your bike except on a regular seat permanently attached to the bike, or to a trailer towed by the bike.

-You are not allowed to carry anything on your bike unless it is in a basket, rack, bag, or trailer designed for the purpose.

If you are caught violating any of these laws, you can face a fine of up to $20. Parents and guardians are responsible for cyclists that are under the age of 18. If you violate these laws, your bike can be impounded by the police or town selectmen for up to 15 days.

Continue reading "Brookline Police Crack Down on Local Bicyclists; Fewer Cycling Accidents the Goal" »

A minivan clipped a 16-year-old bicyclist on Boston Street, sending him under an oncoming dump truck. The young cyclist was conscious and alert when emergency responders arrived at the Massachusetts bicycle accident scene. He was treated at the scene and then transported to North Shore Children's Hospital in Salem "for precautionary reasons," according to The Salem News.

"He was laying against the rear tires of the truck," and would've been hit if the vehicle had come to a stop any slower, said Deputy Fire Chief Glen Beaudet.

Our Boston bike accident attorneys understand that this accident could have gone much differently, and we are thankful that it didn't. Motorists and cyclists need to be aware and considerate of one another on our Massachusetts roads to help avoid future accidents.

The teen was lucky because instead of being run over by the 14-wheel dump truck, the two front tires of the truck passed over each side of him. The driver of the minivan who reportedly caused the accident was arrested and charged for operating a motor vehicle without having a valid driver's license. The driver of the dump truck was not charged.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), more than 600 bicyclists were killed in traffic accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 51,000 bicyclists suffered injuries from these incidents. These types of accidents account for 2 percent of all motor-vehicle traffic deaths each year.

Most of the bicycling accidents that happened in 2009 happened in urban areas at non-intersections. These incidents have increased nearly 10 percent since 2008. Roughly 75 percent of these fatal accidents occurred between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. This is also a near 10 percent increase from the previous year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are at an increased risk for these types of accidents. Children 15-years-old and younger accounted for nearly 60 percent of all bicycle-related injuries seen in U.S. emergency departments in 2001.

Kid friendly bicycling tips, provided by the NHTSA:

-Make sure your bicycle fits to you. There should only be between 1 and 2 inches between you and the top tube (bar) on a road bike and 3 to 4 inches on a mountain bicycle. Your bicycle seat height should be adjusted to a height that allows a slight bend at the knee when the leg is fully extended. The handlebars should be at the same height as the seat.

-Wear bright colored clothing and have reflectors on your bicycle. Your best bet is to wear neon, fluorescent or other bright colors instead of white.

-Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.

-Be on the lookout for road hazards. This includes potholes, broken glass, gravel, puddles, leaves and animals.

-Ride with the flow of traffic. Never ride against the flow of traffic.

-Always obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

-Yield to traffic.

-Ride predictably. Always ride in a straight line and signal your moves to others.

-Be on the lookout for parked cars. Make sure that you ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars, including doors opening, or cars pulling out.

Continue reading "16-Year-Old Escapes Death in Massachusetts Bicycling Accident " »

There have been roughly 20 bicyclist deaths because of accidents this year alone, according to the Somerville Police Department. All of these bicyclist deaths involved a collision with a motor vehicle. The department received nearly 90 reports of bicycle accidents in Somerville in 2009 and only 66 in 2009, according to the Somerville Patch.

The Patch's website offers residents with a map that shows exactly where each of these 2011 fatal bicycling accidents occurred. A number of these accident reports identify the road, but not the cross street of specific address where the collision happened.

Our Boston bicycle accident attorneys understand that this summer weather provides the perfect opportunity for residents and visitors to hit the sidewalks and the roadways on their bicycles to enjoy the beautiful weather and to get some open-air exercise.

Unfortunately, this is also a time where we see an increase number of bicycling accidents in the state. It is important to remember that these are not the complete statistics for bicycling accidents because a number of cyclists that are involved in collisions with motor vehicles fail to report the incidents because they weren't seriously hurt.

"A lot of the times," said Sgt. David Monte, "No one wants to get involved because nobody wants to be found at fault."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recently released new data regarding bicycle accidents. The most recent data, figures from 2009, were recently released on their website. According to the NHTSA, there were nearly 650 bicyclists killed on our roadways during that year alone. More than 51,000 injuries were sustained because of bicycling accidents. These deaths accounted for 2 percent of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities for the year, as did the injuries.

Nearly 75 percent of these bicycling accidents occur during the daytime hours, between 4:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. They're also most likely to happen at non-intersection areas.

The average age of those who were killed while riding a bicycle was 41-years-old. During the last decade, this number has experienced a steady increase in both the age of the victim and the number of victims. Nearly 90 percent of bicyclists that were killed in 2009 were males. Massachusetts saw nearly 10 bicyclist fatalities in 2009 alone. This year is expected to be much, much higher with the preliminary data.

Motorists are urged to follow these safety tips to help keep our Massachusetts bicyclists safe, provided by The Department of Cambridge Community Development:

-Always look for bicyclists, especially when making a turn or parking your car.

-When you pass a bicyclist, make sure you've completely cleared the bike before moving back into your lane.

-Remember that cyclists who are not on the extreme right-hand side of their lane are not being careless, but are in fact trying to avoid hazards that could cause a crash.

-Always check for bicyclists before opening your car door.

-Never double park or park your car in a bike lane. It is not only unsafe, but illegal.

-Make sure you yield to bicyclists when turning.

-Bicyclists the right of way through intersections.

-Make sure you NEVER turn right after passing a cyclist. You should wait until they have merged behind you or completed their trip through the intersection.

Continue reading "Reported Somerville Bicycle Accidents Expected to Exceed Previous Years" »

Massachusetts has recently climbed from 19th to 10th on the League of American Bicyclists "Bike Friendly State" list. Our state has also been recognized with the special Bronze level award. As our state has climbed the safety list for riders, motorists are still asked to be cautious to help to decrease the risks of a Massachusetts bicycle accident even further.

"These prestigious national honors are an important recognition of all the changes that we have implemented since becoming MassDOT on November 1, 2009," said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey B. Mullan. "Key to these honors has been the teamwork across divisions in recognizing and promoting the value of bicycling. The RMV, MBTA, Highway and even the Aeronautics divisions have made important contributions to bicycling as MassDOT becomes a truly multi-modal DOT focused on customer service and safety."

Our Boston bike accident attorneys would like to point out that this award comes after the Bay State just wrapped up our Bike Safety Week. This event, held last month, proved to be very successful. MassDOT worked with the Massachusetts Bicycle Coalition (MassBike) to hold this week-long event that celebrated bicyclists and safety awareness across the state.

In 2010, MassDOT became the first state DOT in the country to organize a statewide Bike Week celebration. This year's Bike Week celebrations held nearly 200 bike-related events, spanning Massachusetts from Pittsfield to Orleans.

MassDOT prides itself on its commitment to pedestrian and bicycle safety as a key part of their overall transportation vision. Riding bicycles throughout our city allows people to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality and the environment and promote healthy lifestyles.

The beginning of the GreenDOT policy, MassDOT's comprehensive sustainability initiative that includes promoting walking, bicycling, and public transit as one of its central goals, has largely contributed to these milestones in travel and safety.

GreenDOT asks that residents of the Bay State incorporate sustainability into nearly all of their daily activities. The DOT has vowed to do the same with the strategic planning to project design and construction to system operation.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, nearly 650 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle accidents in the United States in 2009. Another 51,000 bicyclists suffered injuries from these types of accidents. These bicycling fatalities made up roughly 2 percent of all motor vehicle traffic fatalities, and another 2 percent of all injuries in these accidents, throughout the year. Nearly 10 of these bicyclist fatalities occurred in Massachusetts in 2009.

Continue reading "Decrease in Massachusetts Bicycle Accidents -- Awarded Top 10 "Bike Friendly State"" »