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It is not uncommon to see people of all ages riding bicycles, motorcycles and dirt bikes all throughout Florida. The warm, sunny weather often makes riding a bike an attractive transportation option for many individuals. Along with bike riding comes some risks, and unfortunately, two individuals recently lost their lives in a dirt bike vs. pedestrian crash.

Both the 30-year-old man who was operating the dirt bike and the 59-year-old female pedestrian were killed when the dirt bike operator rode his bike on the sidewalk, lost control and collided with the woman. Ft. Myers personal injury attorneys like Randall Spivey have seen the life-changing effects of such accidents, especially when you have two families who have lost loved ones in such a horrific manner. We, at the Spivey Law Firm, want everyone to be safe when walking and traveling throughout Florida. Consider the following safety tips to keep you and your family safe.

Pedestrians: Be Seen…and Be Safe

There are a number of things pedestrians can do to keep themselves safe when walking along area roadways. Most importantly, it is crucial for pedestrians to ensure they are visible to those operating motor vehicles. The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (which is funded by the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration) states that pedestrians should wear clothing that is light or bright in color and made of reflective materials. Additionally, those walking at night are encouraged to carry flashlights and cross streets only in areas that are well-lit.

Pedestrians should also use sidewalks (when available) and if there are no sidewalks, walk facing the traffic. Additionally, you should always remain in control of your own safety when walking. This means that you should never assume that a driver will stop his or her vehicle to let you go by. Be sure to make eye contact with the driver before stepping off the sidewalk or walking in a crosswalk. Along those same lines, do not simply rely on pedestrian signals to advise you when it’s safe to walk -- always look before you cross the street.

Bikers: Always Follow the Rules of the Road

For years, some of us were told to always “ride against traffic” when on a bike.  However, studies have shown that bikers tend to be much better off riding with traffic, primarily because a biker’s chances of getting hit from behind are much lower. Additionally, according to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, bikers should not ride on sidewalks. In the unfortunate incident discussed above, the dirt bike rider was traveling on the sidewalk at the time of the collision. While many riders may think it’s safer to do so, it actually makes it difficult for automobile drivers to be aware of a biker’s presence prior to him or her entering an intersection.

Cyclists who ride at night are also encouraged to equip their bikes with headlights, taillights and reflectors where necessary. Riders should also be sure to wear reflective gear and clothing that is bright enough to be seen at night. Finally, as tempting as it may be, riders are also advised not to wear headphones or talk on the phone while riding.

If you have been involved in an accident as a biker or a pedestrian, do not hesitate to contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to learn how we can help you get the just compensation you deserve.