Bicycling is becoming more popular in the Columbus region. And with this growing popularity comes a growing number of bicycle accidents and injuries.

Despite safety improvements, bicycle accidents are common in Columbus

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 Ohio

Ohio 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 Ohio Department of Transportation:

• Roadway: Bicyclists can ride wherever they want if they’re traveling at the speed of traffic. If traveling slower than the speed of traffic, they can still position themselves wherever in the lane is necessary for safety. The law says that people who ride bikes must ride as close to the right side of the road as safely practicable except under the following conditions: when passing, preparing for a left turn, avoiding hazards, if the lane is too narrow to share, or if approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
• Bicycle lanes: On a roadway with a bike lane, bicyclists traveling slower than traffic must use the bike lane except when making a left turn, passing, avoiding hazardous conditions, or approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.
• Direction of travel: Bicyclists must travel on the right side of the roadway in the direction of traffic, except when passing, making a legal left turn, riding on a one-way street, riding on a road that is too narrow, or when the right side of the road is closed due to road construction.
• Motorized bicycles: Motorized bicycles may not be used on trails, bike paths or lanes unless allowed by local authorities.
• Bike path obstruction: No one may stop on or park a bicycle on a bicycle path.
• Sidewalks: Individual cities and counties control whether bicyclists may ride on sidewalks.
• Freeways: Bicycles (including motorized bicycles) may not be ridden on freeways and expressways where doing so is prohibited.
• Toll bridges: Bicyclists may not cross a toll bridge unless permitted to do so.

Get information on bicycle crashes from Columbus law enforcement

The Columbus Police Department offers information on accidents. The Franklin County Sheriff's Department is also a useful resource for information. The Ohio State Highway Patrol create reports on crashes they investigate in their jurisdiction.

The Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles provides information on traffic and safety laws.

These departments are good resources after a bicycle crash.

Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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:

• Riverside Methodist Hospital;
• OSU Wexner Medical Center;
• Mount Carmel 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.

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.