Introduction
The popularity of bike riding as a sport coupled with society’s heightened environmental awareness has seen bike usage sky rocket on roads around the world. In Amsterdam a conscious effort to promote bike usage has been established since the 1960’s which means today more than half of all trips in Amsterdam central are by bike. Today, many cities are trying to catch up and make riding a bike a more enjoyable and safer experience for city dwellers. Sydney is right on the heels of this global push, creating bike lanes and paths throughout the city.
Sydney’s Bike Lanes
The purpose built bike paths are not a problem for cyclists or motorists but as both will tell you, it’s the bike lanes introduced to roads that are a cause for concern.
Unfortunately, with the increase of bike usage, traffic accidents involving bikes have risen.
Safety Tips for Cyclists and Drivers
Here are some handy tips for bike riders, as well as drivers.
- When passing a bike rider give them at least 1 metre of space. If you are travelling over 50km/hr make sure to widen that space.
- Check your rear view and side mirror to avoid opening your door into the path of a bike rider.
- Bike riders are allowed to ride two abreast and no more.
- Bike riders are considered a vehicle and therefore must obey many of the same rules as Drivers.
- When changing direction bike riders must signal with their hands.
- Bike riders are allowed to travel in bus lanes and transit lanes.
More Information
You can find more info on bike riding and riding in groups at http://www.bicycleinfo.nsw.gov.au/index.html
If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, contact PK Simpson personal injury lawyers for expert legal advice. Our compensation lawyers can help you with your traffic accident claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
When lodging a claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. However, it isn’t always feasible if you were severely injured and couldn’t file a claim straight away. There are time limits, however, so get someone to call a lawyer at PK Simpson for you to lodge a claim at least within six months of the crash.
The length of time you have to make your claim depends on the jurisdiction.
For instance:
- TPD claims – These may be commenced up to 10 years after you’ve stopped work. TPD claims are very technical, and you may have more than one.
- Car accident claims – A personal injury claim form should be sent to your CTP insurer as early as possible, but no later than six months from the accident date. However, out-of-time claims may be made. New NSW CTP laws have made it difficult for injured people, and many law firms still do not understand how to run new claims under these laws – so call us at PK Simpson Sydney as soon as possible.
- Workers compensation claims – You should contact a lawyer within six months of the accident. But remember, out-of-time claims can be handled by PK Simpson Sydney. We can help you get the treatment required to build your claim.
- Slip ‘n’ fall/occupiers liability claims – Your claim must usually be lodged within three years of the accident date.
- Medical negligence – Within three years of the date when the cause of action was discoverable to our client OR 12 years from the time of the act or omission which caused the injury through negligence.
When lodging a claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident, it’s best to do it as soon as possible. However, it isn’t always feasible if you were severely injured. There are time limits, so get someone to call a bike accident attorney at PK Simpson to lodge a claim within six months of the crash.
If you’ve had a traffic accident, stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Make sure nobody is injured, and if so, call emergency 000 and remain at the scene. If it’s minor, you don’t need to call the police but move the damaged cars if possible. Never admit responsibility, even if you think you were at fault. Collect details from other parties and witnesses, if possible.