BWG Consumer Alert: May 2012

The Boston bike accident lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck are very interested in bicycle, motorcycle and pedestrian safety. We support a number of bicycle clubs, and work to improve the safety of those on the road. This includes educating cyclists on their obligations to ride safely and obey motor vehicle laws. Here are a couple of current events in the world of bicycles and motorcycles in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville, Jamaica Plain and throughout Massachusetts this May.

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.

MassCommute Bicycle Challenge
Each year, one of the most anticipated events is the MassCommute Bicycle Challenge. For this one week, employees, students and others participate in teams to see who can pedal the most miles in the name of reducing traffic congestion, helping the environment and making time for fitness. Click the above link for information on how to participate.

Massachusetts Bike/Walk Summit on May 17
One event to watch this year is the Massachusetts Bike/Walk Summit on Thursday, May 17 at the State House. The event is co-sponsored by MassBike and WalkBoston, which seek to pass the Vulnerable Road Users Bill. If passed, the bill would increase fines for motorists who kill or injure vulnerable users. The term "Vulnerable Road Users" would include pedestrians, a person operating a bicycle, handcycle, tricycle, skateboard, roller skates, in-line skates or non-motorized scooter.

The bill was filed in January 2011 and is now in the Joint Committee on Transportation. MassBike has until June 1 to persuade legislators to advance the bill. The bill is supported by WalkBoston, Massachusetts Public Health Association, Conservation Law Foundation, Boston Cyclists Union, and Transportation for Massachusetts. Click the above link for information on how to participate.

Other Events
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 and the growing opportunities in Massachusetts. Click the above link for the full calendar.

Bicycle Resources
The attorneys at Breakstone, White & Gluck have over 80 years combined experience handling bicycle accident cases. We have represented many cyclists who have been injured in accidents. Click here to learn more about our experience.

We also invite you to visit the Consumer Advice page of our website, where we offer safety articles for bicyclists. These include:

What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs to Know About Car Insurance. You can protect yourself against financial loss caused by a bicycle accident if you have proper and adequate car insurance in your household.

Facts About Cycling in Massachusetts. We answer some of the most common questions about the law from Massachusetts cyclists, including those about red lights, hand signals and parking bicycles.

What to Know About Cycling in Boston. If you are a cyclist, prepare yourself before you ride in the city. Our Cambridge and Somerville bike accident lawyers share important information such as where the city offers bike lanes, the most dangerous intersections and your responsibilities as a cyclist.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is an initiative of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The message 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.

This is important because motorcyclists are often vulnerable on the road. 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.