Sponsored Guest Opinion by Eric Richman, esq.
Over the past few years, the City has made massive expansions of so-called “Class 1 bike lanes.” These are the separated lanes which usually run between parked cars and the sidewalk.
In general, they have been successful–providing safety to riders and allowing the main flow of car traffic to move easier in their lanes.
But of course, this is New York–so rules are viewed as optional by some (most?) of the vehicle operators on our streets.
Here’s a guy riding his moped on John Finley Walk, along the East River.
Fairly stupid behavior.
Starting in 2020, my office began receiving more and more calls from people struck by motorcycles traveling in bike lanes. Other people were getting hit by mopeds being operated on the sidewalk.
This guy felt like driving his moped on the sidewalk.
And then we started seeing it for ourselves. Motorcycle riders who didn’t feel like sitting in traffic would hijack the bike lane to go around stopped cars. This obviously puts other bike riders and pedestrians in grave danger.
Amazingly, these motorcycles were also traveling the wrong way in the designated bike lane about half of the time. I would call this ultra-hazardous behavior. This is the kind of action that can and does literally kill New Yorkers who are simply trying to safely cross the street.
Check out this guy who thinks he owns the sidewalk.
So what can you do if you are struck by one of these guys ? If you hire our law firm we can conduct a full investigation. Here are some important questions that need to be answered:
- Was the motorcycle operator working at the time?
- Was he delivering food?
- Was he a messenger?
These are critical questions. Generally speaking, business owners may be responsible for their employees’ reckless acts. And businesses carry insurance for this exact kind of accident. If you retain our firm, we can make this determination for you while you focus on getting better.
Call our firm today to discuss this matter if you or a loved one has been struck by a motorcycle rider who felt the need to hijack the bicycle lane. We will do everything we can to help.
Law Offices of Eric B. Richman
641 Lexington Avenue: 14th Floor
Direct Dial: 212.688.3965
richman-law.com
