Atlanta Bike to the Capitol Day Announced
The Atlanta Bicycle Coalition is joining Georgia Rides to the Capitol in March. On March 22nd, hundreds of cyclists will ride into town to promote cycling awareness and encourage legislators to support measures that enhance bicycling safety in Atlanta.
Currently, Atlanta is not among the most bicycle friendly cities in the U.S. and we have high accident rates. Drivers can be aggressive and resentful of sharing the road with the slower bicycles. Frequently, even the most well-intentioned drivers do not look for the smaller, less obtrusive modes of transport. Consequently cyclists are hit and seriously injured in intersections or run off the road.
Because riders are largely unprotected, these bicycle collisions often leave cyclists with destroyed equipment and nasty injuries, including brain injuries, broken bones and worse. In 2008, bicycle deaths accounted for 2% of all traffic fatalities in the United States. Injured cyclists can require short and long-term medical care, reconstructive surgery and help managing trauma.
According to OCGA 40-6-294, cyclists have rules and rights on the road, just as cars do. While the Bike Coalition members appeal to congress to increase safety measures, attorney Robert J. Fleming will use laws already in place to help cyclists and their families recover compensation for their injuries.
Sources:
Bicycle Universe Safety Almanac
Mike Bluejay
http://www.atlantabike.org/
Rebecca Serna Woiderski
About the 2011 Event
Fred Boykin
