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Laws Surrounding Running and Biking on Road

It is not uncommon to see a runner or biker on the side of the road at any given time. With so many individuals focused on their health and fitness with goals of completing races, whether they are a 5K, a marathon, or a triathlon, the number or individuals using the roadways for exercise have increased.

Running on the Roadway

It is understood by many that if using the roadway as a pedestrian (which includes running), you are to run facing traffic, on the very left side of the road. First of all, you are able to see the cars and get out of the way of any cars that are not paying attention. Second, you can train yourself to look at the driver’s eyes to determine what they’re looking at or whether they’ve been distracted by texting or talking on the phone.

If a runner is heading with traffic, the likelihood of being involved in an accident with a vehicle increases. It is also critical that runners travel in single-file lines when running on the side of the road. It is extremely important to wear reflective clothing and shoes as well, especially when running at dawn and dusk.

Biking on the Roadway

When someone is biking on the side of the road, they should do so on the very right side. Biking is different from running on the road as, according to state law, a bicycle is considered to be a vehicle on the road. All traffic rules that are applicable to vehicles are also applicable to bicyclists. Bicyclists should also ride in a single lane, not next to each other, unless there is a specific portion of the road set aside for them to do so.

Injured while Running or Biking on Road

If you or a loved one was injured while running or biking on the side of the road, you may be able to seek a personal injury claim. If you were following the laws established for doing such activity and the accident was caused by a driver’s negligence, you would not be considered at-fault for the accident.

When pursuing a legal claim for an injury sustained while running or biking on the side of the road, it is critical to have the guidance of an attorney. There are many areas of the law that come into play in such accidents and your attorney may have to prove that you were in fact following the established law for the activity that you were doing. To speak to a personal injury attorney about your accident and learn what the next steps should be, call Contrada & Associates at 419.841.4400.

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Attorney Charlie Contrada has been practicing law since 1979, focusing his career on personal injury, car accident, and mesothelioma cases. Over the years, Charlie has helped thousands of clients throughout Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan to receive the settlements that they deserve.

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