| If you are riding a bike in Boulder, you would be wise to | | | | trended upwards, more fatalities have occurred |
| invest in a helmet. That's because the number of | | | | outside of the city. |
| bicycle accidents have nearly doubled in the Colorado | | | | These statistics have increased the incidents of |
| city since 2007, the Colorado Daily reports this week. | | | | personal injury attorneys specializing in cycling to |
| In 2009, 162 bike-car accidents were reported, up from | | | | protect these injury-prone hobbyists. Personal injury |
| 88 in 2007. Already in 2010, Boulder has had 40 | | | | and wrongful death are concerns for anyone involved |
| reported incidents at dangerous intersections. These | | | | in a serious accident. And it's not just scofflaws who |
| accidents have resulted in 3 fatalities over the last 5 | | | | are responsible. |
| years, with dozens sustaining serious injuries. | | | | Even when precautions are taken and helmets are |
| Bike clubs and local city planners bemoan the | | | | worn, accidents can happen, as 38% of injuries |
| accidents but say that cyclists must practice safe | | | | sustained in bike-car accidents are not head wounds. |
| riding practices, obeying all safety signs and staying in | | | | Dangerous intersections are not equipped with bike |
| their lanes. With the rise in local gas prices, cycling in | | | | lanes and many are not properly lit, which could explain |
| Boulder has become more popular but city analysts | | | | a nationwide trend. Currently, most accidents occur |
| believe this will increase safety as drivers will get used | | | | between 6-9pm. |
| to sharing the road. | | | | According to the Colorado Daily, city planners are |
| But some accidents cannot be avoided. In 2008, | | | | currently examining unsafe intersections and are |
| 58,000 cyclists were injured in car accidents | | | | working on an electronic reporting system for bicycle |
| nationwide, up 21% from 2007. In these cases, it can | | | | accidents. But until then, Boulder cyclists will have to |
| be difficult to determine liability, local traffic laws or | | | | take proper pedal precautions. unless they want a |
| possible returns. In Boulder, while accidents have | | | | Cadillac emblem embedded in their rib cage. |