San Diego Personal Injury Attorney Blog

New infrastructure ideas like protected bike lanes have been gaining ground all over the world. Right here in California, many recently voted to add a large amount of new infrastructure for cyclists in multiple major cities. How do factors like protected lanes really affect overall bicycle safety numbers though? Let’s look and see. What are Protected Bike Lanes? A protected bike lane is just what it sounds like. It’s a designated lane for cyclists, with protection to keep motorists from entering. Arguably, these are much safer than normal bike lanes, because they do not rely on drivers’ good judgment to keep cyclists safe. Protected lanes first became popular in Europe, but they are now picking up traction in the United States as some cities are taking cycling more seriously as a transportation alternative. Do These Protections Really Save Lives? Building bike accommodations seems to make a huge difference. A study…
Read More »

A paper cycling helmet has been making headlines for its simplicity and ingenuity. The device is called the Ecohelmet. It can fold out from a neat stack of paper into a half sphere that encircles the wearer’s head. Just looking at it, you might not expect it to provide the necessary protection, but crash tests continually show that the paper helmet can save your life. A thin film of chemical coding protects the paper from absorbing water or other elements. In a bicycle accident, the paper cushions the impact just like traditional helmets. However, unlike traditional helmets, the Ecohelmet is recyclable and small enough to fold into a handbag. It was invented by Isis Shiffer, CEO and founder of Spitfire Industry. She has recently received the prestigious James Dyson Design Award for her innovation. What’s the Point of a Paper Cycling Helmet? The goal for the invention was to provide…
Read More »

It’s easy to understand why cycling at night might be dangerous. As a rider, you are always somewhat at the mercy of drivers. When it’s hard to see, the risk of someone running into you goes way up. Still, you don’t have to give up on nighttime rides to stay safe. Here are a few ideas on how to protect yourself. 4 Safety Tips for Cycling at Night Be smart about your route: Most cycling accidents happen on high-speed urban roads. People driving quickly at night are less likely to be paying close attention. This can be dangerous, even if you are taking other safety precautions. You might want to stick to slower areas where there are bike lanes and more cautious drivers. Wear reflective clothing: Reflective clothing might be less effective than some of the other tips on this list, but it could still give you a safety edge…
Read More »