BWG Consumer Alert: May 2012

Bay State Bike Week States May 14

How to Participate as a Cyclist, Pedestrian or Driver
Bay State Bike Week starts Monday, May 14 and runs through Sunday, May 20. The annual celebration features several days of activities and educational programs throughout Massachusetts. During the MassCommute Bicycle Challenge, employees, students and others will compete to see who can pedal the most, as a way of promoting cycling as an alternative transportation. This is an annual and long-running event. 

On May 17, MassBike and WalkBoston will head to the State House to urge legislators to pass a Vulnerable Road Users Bill, which would increase fines for drivers who hit and kill cyclists, pedestrians and others who would be defined as "Vulnerable Road Users."

In addition, Bay State Bike Week will feature events and activities for all ages throughout the state, from Boston to Worcester to western Massachusetts. Most events are open to the public for free and are a great opportunity to learn more about cycling in Massachusetts. View the full calendar.

Bicycle Safety Resources
The attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 100 years combined experience handling bicycle accident cases in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and across Massachusetts. We have represented cyclists who have been injured in collisions with cars and trucks. Click here to learn more about our experience

We also invite you to visit the Consumer Advice page of our website, where we offer articles about Massachusetts bicycle laws and insurance for cyclists. Many people do not realize this, but if you are injured by a car on your bicycle, there is a good chance your own driver's insurance may have to provide at least some of the compensation for your recovery. Drivers do not always carry auto insurance, even though they are required by law in Massachusetts. Other times, they have insurance coverage, but do not have an adequate amount to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. Either way, it pays to be informed about your auto insurance policy and how it would protect you if you were injured on your bike.

What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs to Know About Car Insurance. 

Facts About Cycling in Massachusetts. 

What to Know About Cycling in Boston. 

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an initiative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The goal is to encourage drivers and motorcyclists to "share the road" and highlight the point that motorcycles are vehicles with the same rights and privileges as any other motor vehicle.

Motorcyclists are often vulnerable on the road due to their size. In 2009, motorcyclists were 25 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash, according to the NHTSA.  Click here for safety tips from the Boston motorcycle accident lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck.