The bicyclist, Tyrone Floyd Allen, was traveling east when he was struck by a pickup truck traveling north. Based on witness account, Allen was trying to cross the street when he was struck. Witnesses also report that Allen apparently violated many laws, including trying to cross the street when not in a crosswalk and refusing to yield the right of way.

The pickup truck driver remained at the scene, and police do not expect to press criminal charges.

Bicyclist Safety 101

Based on early media reports, the victim in this accident seems to be responsible for the crash. At a minimum, he made several critical errors that led to the collision. At Bundza & Rodriguez, we encourage all cyclists to practice elementary safety principles, such as:

• Pay attention. Distracted biking is every bit as dangerous as distracted driving. Cyclists should not wear headphones or read a text message when they are on their bikes.

• Obey traffic laws. This includes yielding the right of way and crossing in appropriate crosswalks. In fact, bicyclists should abide by pedestrian crossing rules.

• Make yourself visible. Wear bright colors or put reflective tape on your bicycle or clothing so that you stand out.

• Ride in the same direction as traffic. Also remember to ride as close to the shoulder as possible.

• Equip your bicycle with a white light headlight lamp. You should also have a tail light lamp and reflector.

Finally, all bicyclists are encouraged to wear a helmet. Although Florida law only requires helmets for those cyclists under the age of 16, the fact is that everyone will benefit from having a safety helmet. Look for one that properly fits your head and that is approved by the Department of Transportation.

Comparative Negligence

Florida’s comparative negligence rules also apply to bicyclists. If you are injured in a collision but are partly responsible, then the amount of compensation you can receive will be less. In fact, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds that you are 50% responsible for a collision and your injuries are worth $100,000, then you will only receive half that amount, or $50,000. If you were 80% responsible, then you would only be able to receive $20,000 in compensation. Comparative negligence law should provide an incentive to be as careful as possible.

Representing Injured Cyclists

If you or a loved one has been in a bicycle accident, you need to act quickly to protect your rights. Florida law gives injured victims a short amount of time to sue to receive compensation. Wait too long, and you can lose everything.

Our Daytona Beach bicycle accident lawyers at Bundza & Rodriguez, P.A. can help you identify the party at fault and negotiate a favorable settlement. If necessary, we are not afraid to file a lawsuit.

Contact us today to schedule your free initial consultation by calling 386-252-5170.

Resource:

clickorlando.com/news/cyclist-struck-killed-by-pickup-truck-in-daytona-beach-officials-say

Choose a Bicycle with a Third Wheel

Yes, this means you are now riding a tricycle—something you probably haven’t done in 60 years or more. However, the extra wheel adds important stability at a time when your balance continues to worsen. Riding a tricycle also comes with advantages. You can put a giant basket in the back, between the two wheels, which will make it easier to ride the bicycle when out shopping and running errands.

Ride a Recumbent Bicycle

This is another great option for seniors who need help with balance. Recumbent bicycles let you exercise while seated as if in a recliner in your living room. Recumbent bicycles not only add stability, but they protect your back as well by evenly distributing your weight across a wider area.

Because a recumbent bicycle is lower, you are at increased risk of getting struck by a motorist who cannot see you. You should add a flag to the bicycle that will alert motorists and pedestrians of where you are.

Don’t Ride at Night

With age comes slowed reflexes and poorer vision. For these reasons, riding at night is riskier when you are older. You will be less likely to see someone else, and you might be unable to get out of the way fast enough. To reduce the risks of a bicycle accident, you should stick to riding during the day. Also wear bright-colored clothing to make yourself extra visible to motorists and pedestrians.

Wear a Helmet

You might never have worn one in your youth, but now is the time to put one on. A proper helmet that fits can dramatically reduce your risk of a head injury should you fall off the bike or get involved in a collision. Older Americans are at greater risk of death or hospitalization with a brain injury, and symptoms linger much longer. The more protection you have, the better.

Reduce Riding on the Road

Try riding more on bike paths and quiet streets than on busy roads with lots of traffic. You will reduce your chances of a bicycle accident and enjoy the experience more. This is not an option for some people, depending on where you live, so always maintain heightened vigilance when out on the road.

Legal Representation after a Volusia County Bicycle Accident

If you have suffered an injury in a bicycle accident, we want to talk to you. The Volusia County bicycle accident lawyers at Bundza & Rodriguez can help you identify sources of compensation for your injuries, and we have a track record of success. To schedule your free consultation, please contact us today.

Resource:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2367127/

The Main Types of Bikes and Their Intended Uses

There simply isn’t one type of bicycle that can do everything. When you buy a bike, you choose it based on how and where you want to ride it. These are some of the most popular types of bikes in Florida and where you can be sure it is safe to ride them.

• Beach cruisers – Florida’s flat terrain and abundant paved sidewalks are ideal for beach cruisers. These bikes are designed to be stable and easy to ride, which is why they are so popular with children and casual riders. The rider sits upright on a cushioned seat, and the bike’s wide “balloon tires” further add to its stability. Beach cruisers even brake quite well on wet pavement. They are not, however, built for speed. Most models are single-speed, but even the three-speed models cannot reliably keep up with cars. They are great for riding in the neighborhood or on beach boardwalks, but do not try to ride them in traffic.

• Road bikes – Road bikes are similar to racing bikes and are designed for riding on paved roads or bike trails. Speed is their main concern; they have narrow seats and low handlebars, so the rider has to lean forward. Their narrow tires make them more aerodynamic, but less stable. The lack of traction and relative difficulty of braking makes them unsuitable for wet roads.

• Comfort bikes – These bikes are like a faster version of a beach cruiser. They have an upright riding position, but the tires are narrower. Also called roadsters, they are suitable for commuting. They are very popular in cities in Europe, where suburban sprawl has not made cars as much of a necessity as they are in Florida.

Contact Bundza & Rodriguez About Bicycle Accident Lawsuits

Bike accidents can still happen, even if you are doing everything to be safe. Contact Bundza & Rodriguez in Daytona Beach, Florida for a consultation about your bike accident case. We can help you recover the compensation to which you are entitled for your injuries.

Resource:

bicycle.org/beach-cruisers/