Mark Roman | February 10, 2016 | Bicycle Accidents

Recently, a study published by the University of Colorado Denver has shown that shared lane markings, also referred to as sharrows, are not actually benefiting bicyclists at all. To determine whether sharrows were actually making the roads safer for cyclists, researchers examined a number of safety outcomes throughout Chicago. Some areas received designated bike lanes, others received sharrows, and some areas received no treatments whatsoever.

The study proved the following:

  • Designated bicycle lanes are much safer and encourage more individuals to ride bicycles as sources of transportation.
  • Sharrows did not improve safety or encourage cyclists to ride more often.
  • In areas with designated bike lanes, bicycle commute rates increased by double.
  • Bike commute rates only increased by 27% in areas that received sharrows.
  • Areas that received no treatment saw a 43% increase in bike commuters.

In addition, places that had bike lanes installed saw a 42% decrease in injuries while places with sharrows or no treatments did not see any significant changes. In conclusion, designated bicycle lanes create safer road conditions for cyclists since it allows cyclists to create a more significant and larger presence on the road which is necessary when riding next to passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses.

Involved in a Bike Accident?

If you have sustained injuries in a bicycle accident and believe another driver or person should be held responsible for your damages, get in touch with our Clearwater bicycle accident attorneys. We can examine your collision and determine who should be held liable for your harm.

From there, we can construct an efficient and effective strategy to pursue maximum financial compensation for any medical expenses or lost wages you may suffer as a result of your accident. We let you focus on the road to recovery while we handle the complicated legal matters.

Contact the Clearwater Bicycle Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today

For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a Bicycle Accident lawyer in Clearwater. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.

We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588

Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442