Citibikes Changing the Landscape of the City

Since its auspicious beginning on Memorial Day, NYC’s new Citibike system has been in full swing, and riders are embracing the concept — pedaling nearly 1.3 million miles in the first month and logging an average of 88 trips on each of the 6,000 Citibikes sprinkled through Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Not to be a buzz-kill, but lest you forget, as a bicyclist you are bound by the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers. And in a motor-vehicle-vs.-Citibike altercation, cyclists will most surely come out losers. So here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

• Wear a helmet
• Yield to pedestrians – you are not one
• Ride with traffic
• Obey traffic signals
• Use bike lanes or paths whenever possible
• Be sure to wear a helmet
• Use your bell to alert others of your presence
• Use hand signals to advise others of your plans
• Be predictable – don’t weave in and about
• Stay four feet from parked cars to avoid “flying doors”
• Listening with both headphones is illegal – and for goodness sake, don’t text!
• Remember to wear a helmet

For a handy refresher on biking in the big city, check out the DOT’s bike smart brochure.

If all else fails and you do get in an accident, call 911 first (even if there are no injuries), call Citibike second (1-855-BIKE-311), and collect insurance and witness information just like any other accident. Take photos with your phone before the vehicles and bikes are moved – taking particular note of any contributing factors like uneven pavement or obstacles. Contact experienced personal injury attorneys for help in seeking compensation when your injury was caused by the reckless or negligent actions of someone else.