Bicycling is becoming more popular in the Lexington region. Resources and groups such as Bike/Walk Lexington and Bike Lexington's Facebook page provide information and community to riders throughout the city. For mountain bikers or those looking to get out of the city, Map My Ride offers dozens of ride ideas in the region.

Despite safety improvements, bicycle accidents are common in Lexington

According to Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, in 2012, 726 lost their lives in bicycle/motor vehicle crashes nationally, just under two people every day of the year in the U.S. The death rate from bicycle crashes is high due to the relative lack of protection bicyclists have in an impact with a motor vehicle.

Bicycling Laws in Lexington

Lexington traffic-safety laws are designed to allow bicyclists to share the road safely with motor vehicles in an increasingly crowded space. According to the State of Kentucky’s Department of Motor Vehicles:

• When bicycles are ridden with other traffic, cyclists must obey the same rules and regulations as motor vehicles.
• At intersections, motorists must yield to cyclists as they would for other vehicles and pedestrians.
• When passing a cyclist, motorists must move into an adjacent lane to the left if possible. If not, the motorist must pass with at least 3 feet of clearance.
• Motorists must yield the right-of-way to a cyclist on a bicycle path or in a bike lane.
• Motorists may not stop, park or drive on a designated bicycle path or lane unless they are entering or leaving an alley or driveway, performing official duties, directed by a police officer, or in an emergency situation.
• A cyclist is required to ride on the right side of the roadway.
• A bicycle must be equipped with a white lamp in the front, visible from at least 500 feet.

Get information on bicycle crashes from the Police Departments in the Lexington region

The Lexington Police Department offers information on accidents, and also provides information on filing a police report and on obtaining a police report. 

These departments are a good resource to get information after a bicycle crash.

Lexington bicycle crashes have common causes and deadly outcomes

While helmets and proper reflective gear make bicycling safer, riding a bicycle is riskier than driving a car. Maintaining control is more difficult on two wheels, and when collisions happen, bicyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or death because they don't have an enclosed vehicle for protection.

Common causes of bicycle crashes include:

• Motorist turning across path of cyclist;
• Cyclist riding into the path of a motor vehicle;
• Cyclist turning right from a major road and from a minor road;
• Child cyclist playing or riding too fast.

When someone is injured in a Lexington bicycle accident, what needs to happen next?

In an injury bike crash, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost. The major hospitals in the area include:

• Shriners Hospital for Children
• KentuckyOne Health
• Lexington Medical Center
• UK HealthCare Good Samaritan Hospital

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy. Since insurance policies often have unique provisions to deal with bicycle-accident injuries, it is important to review the policy and speak with the insurance adjuster to get clarification on coverage.

When a bicycle accident occurs, there is typically another vehicle involved, and the injuries can be serious, and often life threatening or fatal. Click the links below to learn more about how Lexington bicycle accidents and injuries as they relate to:

• Lexington car accidents;
• Lexington pedestrian accidents;
• Lexington motorcycle accidents;
• Lexington truck accidents;
• Lexington blind spot accidents;
• Lexington drunk driving accidents;
• Lexington bus accidents;
• Lexington distracted driving accidents;
• Lexington reckless driving accidents;
• Lexington hit-and-run accidents;
• Lexington uninsured/underinsured driver accidents;
• Lexington highway accidents;
• Lexington intersection accidents;
• Lexington multi-vehicle crashes;
• Lexington t-bone accidents;
• Lexington wrongful death claims; 
• Lexington burn injuries;
• Lexington internal injuries;
• Lexington spinal cord and neck injuries;
• Lexington fracture injuries;
• Lexington brain injuries.

Personal injury lawyers offer a no-cost claim evaluation to help you.

Since there is no cost to speak with a lawyer, it is a good idea to learn more about your potential personal injury claim. Accident Data Center can help you by connecting you with our network of experienced injury lawyers who can provide you with information about your rights and options. Learn more here about how a Lexington bicycle accident lawyer can help.