NYSDOT Approves New Signage for Bicycle Safety

Aug. 15, 2012

In an effort to improve road safety for both motorists and cyclists, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has decided to install signs at 20 locations along Route 9, a popular scenic road often used by cyclists. The Pearl River Patch reports the signs will direct cyclists to safer paths and will also reiterate that cars and bikes need to “share the road.”

Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffe spearheaded the campaign after a 53-year-old woman was killed in June 2012 as the result of a bicycle accident in Orangetown. The victim was pedaling just outside the town of Upper Grandview while wearing proper safety gear, including a helmet, when a vehicle driven by a 25-year-old woman fatally struck the cyclist from behind.

Cycling advocates applauded the new signs, but they also questioned NYSDOT Acting Regional Director Bill Gorton as to why legislators did not consider lowering the speed limit as well. Advocates demanded a study be conducted on speeding in the area. Gorton responded, saying, “Just putting 30 miles per hour speed limit down doesn’t mean everybody will go 30 miles per hour.”

The Buffalo Car Accident Lawyers with the William Mattar Law Offices would encourage anyone who has been hurt in a Buffalo bicycle accident due to another person’s negligence to discuss their case with an attorney as soon as possible.