HIT BY BICYCLE WHILE WALKING ON SIDEWALK – INJURY ATTORNEY
Minnesota law allows sidewalk bike riding except in a business district or where prohibited by city ordinance. However, the bicycle rider must give an audible signal when passing pedestrians. He must also yield to pedestrians on the sidewalk. Many bike riders think they just need to give a warning and the person walking then becomes responsible to move.However, that is simply not the law. Our injury lawyers have had several cases where a bike rider hit someone from behind. Unfortunately, we frequently hear excuses from the bike rider and their insurance. They will claim the pedestrian shouldn’t have been walking in the middle of the sidewalk, or should have moved when the bike rider gave a warning.
Just calling out ‘on your left’ is not enough. The bike rider must yield to the person walking.That is the law. In addition, a bicyclist should move at pedestrian speeds while riding on a sidewalk. That is not a legal requirement, but is best practice to avoid an accident. The impact from a bicycle collision with a person walking on the sidewalk can cause serious injuries. Most of the time, a person walking will fall when a bike hits them from behind. This can result in a broken bone or even a head injury.
Some people argue that bicycles should not be on sidewalks at all. However, there are situations where being on the sidewalk is important for the bicycle rider. For example, BikeMN recommends that children 10 and under ride on the sidewalk and under the leadership of an adult, as they may not yet be ready for roadways. Our bicycle accident lawyers have represented many children who were hit by a car while riding their bicycle.
EXPERIENCED ACCIDENT INJURY ATTORNEYS
If you were hit by a bike while walking, call us for a free consultation. Pam Rochlin and David Rochlin have more than 25 years’ experience representing injured people throughout Minnesota. When you call our office, you will speak with an attorney who can answer your questions. We will discuss the facts of the case with you and advise you of your rights. Our primary focus is to make sure your medical bills are paid, lost wages reimbursed, and all other appropriate compensation is paid. We never charge anything until you receive compensation.