The Annapolis Police Department says two bicyclists were injured in a Maryland bicycle accident on Friday morning. The injury accident occurred when a person in a parked vehicle on Main Street opened the vehicle door, hitting the two riders who were cycling up the road.
One of the Annapolis bicycle accident victims was take to Anne Arundel Medical Center, while the other pedalcyclist was seen at Maryland Shock Trauma Center.
The Anne Arundel county bicycle accident occurred on Bike to Work Day, a national event that encourages people to ride bicycles when commuting. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council sponsored rally rides in Baltimore City, Bel Air, Annapolis, Westminster, Columbia, and numerous other cities to mark this day. More than 1,000 bicycle riders placed their heels on pedals and headed off to work.
Baltimore has put in place 432 new bike lane miles and 80 new bike racks. Another 200 racks will be set up and 80 more lane lines added before the end of the year.
2007 NHTSA Bicycle Accident Facts
The drivers of cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles do share the roads with bicyclists, and it is important that motorists stay aware of these riders and take precautions to avoid getting involved in a traffic accident with a pedalcyclist.
In 2007, According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
• 43,000 pedalcyclists sustained injuries throughout the US.
• 698 pedalcyclists died.
• 7 of those fatalities occurred in Maryland.
• 1 of the bicyclist deaths occurred in Washington DC.
Just like motor vehicle drivers, bicyclists are entitled to certain rights when riding on Maryland roads, and pedalcyclists risk sustaining catastrophic injuries whenever they are involved in a Maryland traffic accident.
Baltimorians Bike To Work, ABC2news.com, May 15, 2009
2 bicyclists hospitalized after accident in Annapolis, BaltimoreSun.com, May 16, 2009
Bike to Work Day attracts record number of riders, Baltimore Sun, May 16, 2009
Related Web Resources:
Bike to Work Day 2009, Baltimore Metropolitan Council
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Contact our Anne Arundel County bicycle accident lawyers to discuss your Maryland personal injury case.