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Yesterday, a 11 year old bicyclist was hit by a car in New Munich. A vehicle traveling north on County Road 2 was turning left when it struck the boy. The boy was said to be in the crosswalk when he was hit by the teenage driver.The collision is still under investigation.

As I have discussed before, the number of incidences with bikes has continued to grow over the last year. It’s important that bike riders follow rules and that vehicles watch out for the bikes.

AVOIDING BIKE-VEHICLE CRASHES Cyclists and drivers:

• Reduce distractions and watch for bikes or cars.

• Follow all stop signs and traffic signals.

Drivers:

• Give cyclists the entire lane if there’s not enough room for a bike and vehicle.

• Give bikes 3 feet of clearance when passing.

• Look ahead and behind for cyclists when turning.

• Yield to bikes on sidewalks and halt before crosswalks.

Cyclists:

• Ride just right of center in a lane rather than along curbs

• Stay away from doors of parked cars.

• Bike with the flow of traffic unless there’s a contra-flow bike lane.

• Use hand signals for turns and switching lanes.

• Wear helmets and use lights and reflective gear at night.

Source: City of Minneapolis

If you are in an bicycle accident, make sure to get the names, license plate numbers and insurance information of the cars involved. Get the names of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. Save the bike in its wrecked condition. Take photographs of the mva scene and the vehicle that hit you. If you witness an accident, check to see if everyone is OK and stay around or at least give the drivers your contact information. If you are injured, seek the advice of an attorney who does that kind of work and who can explain your coverages and rights.

2 Comments

  1. Gravatar for Daniel 8791
    Daniel 8791

    I think parents need to do MUCH more training and practice driving with their teenagers. All the classes and testing for drivers licences can only do so much. Real time practice with an elder is just about the only way to improve young drivers skills and help cut down the frequency of traffic accidents.

  2. Gravatar for Mike Bryant
    Mike Bryant

    That's the way I learned. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.

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