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Very interesting study from the City of Minneapolis. There are many more year ’round bicycle riders and at the same time there has been a reduction in the number of bike/automobile collisions. This has to be attributed to the education of both the car and the bike riders. It’s the kind of story that I like seeing. Because, despite the tort reform garbage out there, most personal injury lawyers don’t like seeing people injured.

As bike rider.com reported in a story about the study:

“More bicyclists on the road actually means less crashes,” says Murphy(NTP Project Coordinator for the Minneapolis Department of Public Works) , who also noted that ridership has been strong this winter, despite heavy snowfall. Some of the increase can be attributed to the hearty riders that city’s long winters breed, but the city also makes considerable effort to keep the bike routes open through the winter months.

It’s important that cars be on the lookout and that bikes be aware of the rules.

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

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