Advocates push safety measures aimed at reducing the number of Phoenix bicycle accidents

In a letter published Monday in the Arizona Republic, the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists encouraged riders to participate in safety classes in an effort to reduce the number of Phoenix bicycle accidents and bicycle crashes elsewhere in Arizona.Vice President Gene Holmerud said riding against traffic continues to be a primary cause of bicycle v. car accidents in Arizona. Nationwide, 716 cyclists were killed in 2008 and more than 52,000 were injured, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

While about 1 in 7 fatal bicycle accidents involves a child under the age of 15, the increasing popularity of cycling for recreation and fitness has steadily increased the average age of cyclists who are seriously injured or killed in bicycle accidents. Middle-aged men are now most at risk: The average age of fatal accident victims has increased from 32 to 41 in the last decade, while the average age of a cyclist seriously injured has climbed from 24 to 31.

Nineteen cyclists were fatally injured in Arizona bicycle accidents in 2008 and 1,682 were injured, the Arizona Department of Transportation reported.

The Phoenix Police Department provides the following safety tips:

-Always ride on the right side of the road.
-Ride in the same direction as traffic.
-Use a bike path whenever available.
-Ride single file.
-Obey all traffic signals.
-Stop at street corners.
-Look in every direction before crossing and make eye contact with motorists.
-Obey traffic lights.
-Wear light colored and reflective clothing.

If you are involved in a bicycle accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix injury lawyers at Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (602) 819-5191 today.