Olympian cyclists injured

Day two of the Rio 2016 Olympics featured more records, historic achievements and high sporting drama.

Sunday’s highlights included:

• S. swimmers win gold — Michael Phelps adds to record tally
• Novak Djokovic and the Williams sisters suffer shock defeats
• Dutch cyclist in hospital after crashing spectacularly while leading road race
• Chinese diver Wu Minxia makes history with fifth gold

Netherlands’ Annemiek Van Vleuten crashed out of the Women’s road cycling race at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. While Anna van der Breggen celebrated clinching gold in the women’s road race, the mood at the finish line was subdued after Annemiek van Vleuten crashed while leading the race with just 11 kilometers to go.

On the same descent that left Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali with two broken collarbones just 24 hours earlier, Van Vleuten flew head-first over her handlebars and saw her hopes of a first Olympic title disappear.

The Dutch cycling federation said in a statement Van Vleuten had been taken to a hospital and was being treated for a heavy concussion and three minor fractures in her spine.

Bicycle injuries – they’re not only in the Olympics!

While the Olympic bicycle races are certainly more intense than bicycle riding in Ft. Lauderdale, there are still reasons to be concerned. Chief among them is the fact that the Sunshine State has long been the most lethal in the nation for bicyclists.

There are many Florida laws that pertain to riding a bicycle in Florida and how drivers need to interact with Florida bicyclists. After a Florida bicycle accident, it is important that you understand how these laws could impact your claim for damages.

Common causes of bicycle accidents and how to avoid them are:

• LEFT CROSS – A motorist fails to see a cyclist and makes a left turn–it accounts for almost half of all bike-car crashes.
  • If you see a car turning into your path, turn right into the lane with the vehicle.
• RIGHT HOOK – A motorist passes a cyclist on the left and turns right into the bike’s path.
  • Passing stopped or slow-moving cars on the right places you in a driver’s blind spot. Take the lane-it’s your right in all 50 states.
• DOORED – A cyclist traveling next to parked cars lined up on the street strikes a car door opened by the driver.
  • Always look several cars ahead. Ride at least 3 feet from parked cars, taking the lane if necessary. Be prepared to stop suddenly. Keep your weight over your rear wheel and apply strong force to the front brake lever, with moderate force to the back.
• PARKING LOTTED – A motorist exits a driveway or parking lot into the path of a bicyclist.
  • No bike-handling tricks can overcome the danger of riding on a road with numerous parkinglot exits. Just take a less-direct route. If you don’t change routes, follow the law and ride fully in the road. Most of all: Stay off the sidewalk–motorists aren’t looking for you there.
• THE OVERTAKING – A motorist hits a cyclist from behind.
  • Make yourself as visible as possible and ride predictably. Use reflectors and lights on your bike at night. When moving to the left, signal with your arm; and hold a straight line while checking traffic over your shoulder, because even the most diligent driver could hit a swerving bike.

If you have bicycle injuries in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and surrounding areas, contact Adam Franzen today.

Even if you do your best to avoid an accident while riding your bicycle, other motorists may not be so diligent. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, call Adam Franzen at (954) 462-5790. Visit his website to learn more about how he can help you with your bicycle and other personal injury cases.