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Bike Sharing Safety Considerations

Bike sharing has been exploding in popularity in Southeast Florida over the past few years, with nearly every city from West Palm Beach through Miami offering it as a transportation option. It’s a fun and convenient way for tourists to sightsee throughout the city as well as a healthy and environmentally-friendly way for locals to commute. In spite of these benefits, bike sharing poses several safety risks that cyclists should keep in mind.

In 2023, Florida had 8,394 reported bicycle crashes, which caused 7,893 injuries and 224 deaths[1].  If you are new to bike sharing, following are some tips to help you stay safe on the road:

• Bike sharing programs don’t always supply helmets, so make sure to bring your own. While cyclists age 16+ are not legally required to wear a helmet, you should wear one anyway because it can help prevent a traumatic brain injury if you are involved in an accident. Additionally, if you are seriously injured in an accident and decide to file a lawsuit, juries may feel more sympathetic toward cyclists who wore helmets than those who did not.
• After you remove the bike from the dock, inspect it to make sure the brakes are working, the tires are inflated, and there are no obvious defects with the bike that could cause it to malfunction while you are cycling.
• Only bike on a heavily-trafficked road if you are an experienced cyclist. It’s also imperative that you follow the rules of the road, such as using hand signs when turning, riding in the far-right lane, and obeying all traffic signs and signals.
• Wear brightly-colored clothing so drivers of other vehicles can easily spot you. Often, bike accidents occur because the car driver did not notice the cyclist, especially while turning or opening car doors.

If you are seriously injured while bike sharing, there could be several parties responsible, depending on the specifics of your situation. You should contact a personal injury attorney, like ECanter Lawyers, as soon as possible to understand your options. If the bike was not properly maintained, the owner of the bike sharing program may be liable. If the bike had a manufacturing or design defect, your attorney may hold the bike manufacturer responsible. If another vehicle hit you, the other driver may be liable for your injuries. You are able to collect damages for your medical bills, rehabilitation services, medication, assistive devices, lost wages, and future lost wages. You may be eligible to collect compensation for pain and suffering as well.

As with any personal injury, the sooner you contact an attorney to start the process, the greater the likelihood that your attorney can build a strong case in support of your claim. If you were injured while using a bike share, contact ECanter Lawyers today for your free case consultation.

ECanter Lawyers

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For a quarter of a century, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

ECanter Lawyers

561-447-4500

Boca Raton | West Palm Beach | Coral Springs | Ft. Lauderdale | Miami 

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[1] Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Crash Dashboard – Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (flhsmv.gov). Accessed April 3, 2024.