Tulsa has a solid reputation as a growing biking city. While recreational trails are plentiful, there are challenges when it comes to the infrastructure for those who commute by bike. Ultimately, the number of dangerous bike accidents that are caused by driver negligence is notable, which highlights the importance of prioritizing your safety when you’re on your bike. If a motorist leaves you injured in a bike accident, you need the focused legal representation of our experienced Tulsa bike accident lawyers at ASH LAW on your side.
The City Of Tulsa Weighs In On Bike Accidents
The Walk Bike Tulsa campaign addresses the dangers associated with bike accidents involving motorists, and the following statistics apply to a recent five-year stretch:
- There were nearly 350 injury-causing collisions.
- There were four cyclist fatalities.
- Cyclists were 5 times more likely to be injured in a traffic accident than occupants of cars were.
Bike Laws In Oklahoma And In The City Of Tulsa
The State of Oklahoma views bicycles as vehicles, which means that cyclists are held to the same basic rules of the road that motorists are. As such, cyclists must obey all traffic signs and lights, use the appropriate hand signals for stops and turns, and ride on the right side of the road.
Oklahoma’s Laws That Are Specific To Cyclists
Oklahoma also has regulations that apply specifically to cyclists, and they include the following:
- After coming to a complete stop, cyclists can cautiously proceed through red lights when there is no immediate risk involved.
- When passing, motorists are required to afford cyclists at least three feet of clearance.
- Cyclists should ride as close to the right side of the road as is safe, but can move to the left in order to make a turn, to pass, or to avoid road hazards.
- Cyclists can only ride two abreast when doing so doesn’t block the normal flow of traffic and doesn’t take up more than a single lane.
Tulsa’s Laws That Are Specific To Cyclists
Tulsa has additional requirements that are designed to better protect cyclists in the city. For example, bike riders are not allowed in those business districts with frontages of more than 50 percent commercial buildings. In addition, cyclists are required to regroup into a single-file configuration when riding two-abreast to block traffic’s normal flow. A cyclist can also command an entire lane when there are safety concerns that require doing so.
Turn To Our Experienced Tulsa Bicycle Accident Attorneys For The Help You Need
Our savvy bicycle accident lawyers at ASH LAW, serving Tulsa and the State of Oklahoma, appreciate just how serious your losses can be following a bike accident that was caused by a motorist’s negligence, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to help. Your claim is important, so please don’t hesitate to reach out for more information about what we can do for you by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 918-599-0001 today.
