Bicycling is becoming more popular in the Charlotte region. Go to the Transportation Choices Alliance site to learn more about biking in Charlotte.

Despite safety improvements, bicycle accidents are common in Charlotte

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 North Carolina

Charlotte traffic-safety laws are designed to allow bicyclists to share the road safely with motor vehicles in an increasingly crowded space.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation:

North Carolina traffic laws require bicyclists to:

• Ride on the right in the same direction as other traffic.
• Obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Use hand signals to communicate intended movements.
• Equip their bicycles with a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a rear reflector that is visible from a distance of 200 feet when riding at night.
• Wear a bicycle helmet on public roads, public paths and public rights-of-way if the bicyclists is under 16 years old.
• Secure child passengers in a child seat or bicycle trailer if under 40 pounds or 40 inches.

Get information on bicycle crashes from the Charlotte Police Department

The Charlotte Police Department offers information on accidents. The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles provides information on traffic and safety laws.

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

Charlotte 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 Charlotte 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:

Carolinas Medical Center;

Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center.

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.

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 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 the value of a no-cost legal claim evaluation.