Wisconsin Bicycle Safety and Laws

 Posted on June 09, 2017 in Bicycle Accidents

Bicyclists traveling on roadways must abide by specific traffic laws in order to keep them and others safe. Bicyclists are especially at risk: they do not have the safety protections cars provide, and bikes can move at much faster speeds than pedestrians.

Bicycle accidents leave cyclists gravely injured, while those in cars may not be injured at all. If you have been in a bike accident and you believe that you were not at fault (or not fully at fault) in causing the accident, you should be compensated to the full extent Wisconsin law allows.

Key Bicycle Laws in Wisconsin

There are several important laws that govern how bicycles should be ridden. Failure for motor vehicle drivers, pedestrians, or bicyclists to understand such rules could result in an accident. These laws include:

• A bicycle is considered to be a vehicle under Wisconsin law. This means that a cyclist has the same rights and duties as any other driver.
• A bicycle must always be ridden on the right side of the street (with the flow of traffic) and as far to the right as safely practicable. There are some exceptions, such as when a bike is passing or when turning left.
• A bicyclist is required to use hand signals to indicate turning.

Wisconsin does not require bicyclists to wear helmets, although some cities may have such a mandate.

Bicyclists can only ride on the sidewalk if the local government so allows. When a bike is lawfully being ridden on a sidewalk, it must yield to pedestrians.

Laws that Apply to Electric Bicycles

Electric assist bicycles are becoming more popular. These bikes have fully operational pedals but also have an electric motor that allows the bicycle to achieve faster speeds.

Electric bikes are subject to special rules in Wisconsin. For example, when the electric power feature is engaged, a biker may not ride on a bicycle way. A bicycle way is a path or sidewalk (or portion thereof) that is reserved for use by bicycles and electric personal assistive mobility devices.

Contact a Milwaukee, WI, Bike Accident Lawyer

In order to properly handle a bicycle accident claim, you need to to have a full understanding of bicycle and car traffic laws as well as knowledge about medical conditions and treatments. The insurance company working on your case is well versed in these areas.

This is why hiring a personal injury lawyer can be critical to getting a full recovery for your injuries. The experienced Milwaukee bicycle accident attorneys at Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can be reached at 414-271-1440. Call to set up your first appointment with our firm today.

Sources:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XII/79

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/340/01/5s

http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/346/XII/804

http://www.wnbr.org/bikelaws.htm

http://www.bfw.org/for-your-community/share-be-aware/bicycle-laws/