Compared to other cities, Los Angeles has a fairly good reputation for being cyclist-friendly. With that being said, the city is far from perfect in this regard. In fact, dozens of cyclists are killed every year in accidents. Many of these accidents are the result of unsafe cycle lanes.
Having designated cycle lanes is one thing, but they also need to be safe. Outlined below are a few reasons why safe cycle lanes are so important.
They improve the flow of traffic
Vehicles are fully motorized, whereas bicycles are not. This means that there is a discrepancy in the speed between these modes of transport. Designated cycle lanes allow cyclists to maintain their own flow while not disrupting the flow of motorized vehicles in traffic.
Fewer lane changes
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is lane changes. For example, a cyclist may need to avoid a parked car by changing lanes and going around it. If a vehicle behind a cyclist is not paying attention or has not left enough braking distance, an accident is very likely. Designated, safe cycle routes can mitigate the need for lane changing, which ultimately reduces the risk of accidents.
As a cyclist, the reality is that you just don’t have the same levels of physical protection as other vehicles. Your safety has to be a priority. If you have been injured by a negligent road user, make sure you look into your options in terms of pursuing compensation for your suffering. You may be entitled to significant compensation at this time.
