An Erie bicyclist was injured when struck by a careless driver near the intersection of Westlake Road and Asbury Road in Millcreek Township yesterday. Authorities report the Pennsylvania bicycle accident occurred near 7:30 a.m. when the driver of a pickup truck struck a bicyclist in the west bound lanes of West Lake Road. The Erie bicyclist was taken to UPMC Hamot with injuries that are reported as not life-threatening.
By report, both the Erie bicyclist and the driver were westbound. The facts of the accident are not yet clear but the pick-up truck driver was reportedly cited for careless driving. Because of the common direction of the vehicles, the facts suggest the possibility that the driver failed to maintain the legally required 4 foot wide safety cushion.
As a reminder to drivers and bicyclists alike, a recent Pennsylvania law requires that bicyclists keep to the right side of the road AND requires that motorists must not pass a bicycle unless the motorist can maintain at least 4 feet of safe distance between the bicyclist and the automobile. Motorists are permitted to cross a double yellow center line, if reasonably safe to do so, in order to comply with the 4 feet safety cushion requirement. Motorists are not permitted to pass a bicyclist, no matter how slow the bicyclist, if the motorist cannot be certain of allowing at least four feet of safe distance. Motorists are never permitted to force a bicyclist off the road in Pennsylvania.
Hit By a Car While Riding Your Bike?
If you’ve been hit by a car while riding your bike in northwest Pennsylvania, we’ve got helpful information for you in our articles section. Pennsylvania bicycle accident victims should read Six Tips If You’ve Been Hit By a Car While Running, Cycling or Walking .
Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. Can Help Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Victims
If you, your son or daughter has been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, the Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. can help. Call us today at 814-273-2010 or use the consult form above or the live chat option to the right. We’ll make sure you get a free consultation scheduled at your convenience.