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In bicycle-friendly communities, including parts of Boston, bike commuting rates have increased by an astounding 105% in recent years. As more people have discovered the recreational, health, and environmental benefits of bike-riding, a phenomenon known as bike rage has emerged. Similar to road rage in motor vehicle drivers, bike rage results from tensions between cyclists and others who are sharing the same roads. In worst-case scenarios, these tensions lead to bicycle accidents. Below, learn more about bike rage and how to prevent it.

Causes

Bike rage is caused by road users who believe that another person on the road was being rude, breaking traffic laws, or not sharing the space in a respectable way. It always involves a bicyclist and a vehicle driver, pedestrian, or another cyclist. While it can happen on any roadway, the aggression that reaches a breaking point is often most acutely felt in tight urban areas, where space is at a premium and where cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians must go out of their way to share the road and allow one another safe and sufficient room.

Signs

bicycle accidentSigns of bike rage include anger, yelling, obscene hand gestures, and retaliation, such as cutting someone off or veering dangerously close to them. In extreme cases, bike rage can lead to verbal confrontations, physical fights, and bicycle accidents.

Prevention

Sharing the road is the best way to prevent bike rage and potentially costly altercations and bicycle accidents. Drivers should remember that cyclists are not protected by thousands of pounds of metal, and, whenever possible, a driver should give the cyclist plenty of room to ride and the right-of-way. Cyclists should utilize bike lanes wherever possible, stay off the sidewalks to avoid pedestrians, wear helmets, and use hand signals to alert drivers when they’re turning or crossing the street.

 

 

If you've been involved in a bicycle accident, a personal injury attorney can help you explore all available legal options. Bellotti Law Group, P.C., has been representing clients throughout the Greater Boston area since 1989. Their attorneys offer legal services in accidents and injuries, workers' compensation claims, and criminal cases. Call (617) 778-1000 to schedule a free consultation or visit them online to browse their services.

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