There’s an interesting piece of cyclist bashing in the Vancouver Courier today that takes a swipe at people who use pedal-power on our city’s sidewalks.

It makes for uncomfortable reading.

After all don’t cyclists have it hard enough already?

C’mon, cyclists are regularly on the receiving end of poor treatment from motorists.

Now they’re getting it in the neck from pedestrians too!

I’ve got a lot of sympathy for cyclists.

Just like pedestrians they’re amongst the most vulnerable users of the road in BC. And like pedestrians, many of the cyclists who get injured suffer they’re fate as a result of bad driving on the part of a motorist.

It’s no wonder that cyclist seek safety on the sidewalk.

But here’s the thing.

Cyclists who take to the sidewalk to avoid the dangers posed by motorists, may be inadvertently opening themselves up to a world of pain.

Why?

You see, a collision between a bike and a pedestrian can be every bit as dangerous as one involving a car.

But unlike motorists, bikers aren’t required to carry third party liability insurance.

So, if you’re a cyclist who’s unfortunate enough to hit a pedestrian and that pedestrian gets injured, you could be on the wrong side of an injury claim.

And depending on the severity of the injuries involved the bill could cause you some serious financial pain.

So sidewalk cyclists beware!

Without insurance you’re not protected and could find yourself on the hook.

So please, PLEASE be careful out there.

Questions?

Want to Chat?

Jeff Witten

McComb Witten Personal Injury Lawyers