Category Archives: Bike Safety

San Diego bicycle safety best practices and California bike law information for help understanding the rules of the road for bikes.

Will this Supreme Court Ruling Result in the Loss of Bike Paths?

Posted on March 17, 2014 by Dudek Law Firm

The Supreme Court decided eight-to-one in favor of the plaintiffs in the Wyoming case, Marvin Brandt Revocable Trust v. United States. The plaintiffs sued the federal government over the addition of bike pathways that ran through their property. However, the federal government granted the Brandt family the land which was previously a part of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest because they produced railroad ties in their sawmill. In the mid-20th century, many American families and businesses working in the railway or auxiliary industries received land grants on the condition that trains would have the right-of-way on the land.  With time, most of the railway land grants were abandoned with the decline of the railway industry, so in 1983 the federal government started converting the abandoned land into hiking and biking trails through the Rails to Trails program. The Brandt family sued over the federal government’s right to repurpose their land…
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Is Pershing Drive Bike Safe?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by Dudek Law Firm

Pershing Drive has the potential to be one of the most popular bike routes in San Diego. The road is well groomed, travels through idyllic scenery and connects North Park to Downtown. Yet, cyclists often avoid traveling on Pershing Drive, because the road has a reputation for bicycle injuries. After the intersection with Florida Drive, Pershing essentially becomes an entrance ramp for the freeway. As such, motorists begin speeding up in preparation for the freeway, increasing the possibility of fatal collisions with cyclists. If cyclists want to exit Pershing to ride to Downtown, there are two dedicated crosswalks; however, these crosswalks are located past the Florida intersection and near turns in the road. Consequently, motorists driving at freeway speeds are unlikely to see a cyclist crossing the street until it is much too late. Changes in signage, adding interior bike lanes, merge transition zones and/or a separate bike signal on…
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Is The Bikes & Beers Ride Safe?

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Dudek Law Firm

According to the San Diego Free Press, a group of San Diego bicyclists are hoping to highlight local craft brewing businesses by hosting a 26-mile bike ride throughout the city with stops at a number of breweries. The ride will take place on March 29 at 9:30 a.m., and riding groups will depart every 30 minutes until 11 a.m. Cyclists will travel along the San Diego River, Pacific Ocean, San Diego Bay, Petco Park and Balboa Park for four hours with plenty of rest breaks. Hopefully, the event will serve as an example of responsible bicycling. Cyclists are encouraged to sample the local craft brews in moderation and not drink to excess. Plentiful water and bicycle repair equipment will be available along the ride to ensure a safe ride. In addition, the ride will also convince businesses skeptical of the reduction of parking spots to make room for bike lanes…
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