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Two teenager were hit by vehicles as they road along the roads of Fargo/Moorhead this past week. In both cases, there were issues of look out. In one of the incidents the bikes back tire was clipped by the passing car.

In Rochester, a 24 year old man on a bike is said to have hit the back tire of a car. The man is in critical condition in Saint Marys Hospital.

Statewide, accidents between cars and bicycles were down 37% between 1994 and 2002, but there are still roughly 1,000 accidents every year, with at least that many people getting hurt.

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 of anyone who indicates they saw what happened. 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.

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