Erie Bicycle Injury Lawyers: New Law Creates Safety Zone

Effective April 2, 2012, a new law in Pennsylvania imposes specific responsibilities on and creates legal protection for both motorists and bicyclists in an effort to enhance the safety of bicyclists. Whether you’re a bicyclist or a driver, here’s what you need to know about Pennsylvania’s new bicycle safety law:

1. Drivers are required to maintain at least four feet between their vehicle and a bicyclist. This applies even when passing a bicyclist. So, if you can’t safely pass a bicyclist while allowing for a minimum four-feet-wide “safety cushion,” then you must wait until circumstances allow you to proceed safely.

2. Drivers are permitted to cross a double yellow line if it is safe to do so and necessary to maintain the four-foot-wide “safety cushion” when passing a bicyclist.

3. Bicyclists must stay to the right portion of the roadway if they are traveling more slowly than the speed limit. Exceptions to this rule apply when a bicyclist is making a left hand turn or traveling on a one-way street.

4. Drivers turning left must yield the right of way to oncoming bicyclists.

5. It is illegal for a motorist to force a bicyclist off the road. Under the new law, offenders may be criminally prosecuted.

Hurt in a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident?

If you, your son, or your 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. We’ll make sure that you get a free consultation scheduled at your convenience. The Pennsylvania injury lawyers at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. will take the time to make sure that you are fully informed about your rights.