GJEL Accident Attorneys Urges Share-The-Road Courtesy on National Bike to Work Day
National Bike to Work Day is May 21, 2010 and GJEL Accident Attorneys is encouraging caution, courtesy and safety on the crowded roadways where more cyclists are commuting to work.
San Francisco May 20, 2010 — Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen GJEL Accident Attorneys, a catastrophic injury and wrongful death law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, is encouraging all motorists to use extra caution and courtesy May 21, 2010 on National Bike To Work Day.
In its 2009 Citywide Bicycle Count Report, the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency documented a 53 percent overall increase in observed cyclists since 2006. In the same study, cyclists wearing helmets increased to 69 percent in 2009 a slight improvement over 65 percent in 2006.
“With the increase in number of people cycling to work, there’s bound to be an increase in accidents. Thankfully, cycling accidents have not increased in proportion to higher numbers of cyclists,” said Andrew Gillin, managing partner of GJEL. “Rules of the road don’t change for motorists or cyclists, and everyone needs to use extra caution and courtesy when sharing roadways in the city or elsewhere.”
In 2008 in California, there were 11,683 bike accidents, including 131 fatalities, 11 percent more than 2007, and 14 percent more than 2006. Since 2005, bike injuries among the 15-24 age bracket rose 33 percent, according to California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System. Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show there has been a 14 percent reduction in fatalities among cyclists between 1997 and 2007.
“Many bicycle accidents are under-reported, especially those that do not involve a vehicle,” said Gillin. “As the roadways become more crowded with traditional and alternative means of transportation, fellow commuters on foot or wheels must be more alert when hitting any street or roadway.”
About Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen
GJEL Accident Attorneys is a San Francisco Bay Area law firm representing plaintiffs in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases. Since 1972, Gillin Jacobson Ellis & Larsen has obtained recoveries in more than 99 percent of its cases.
Andy Gillin received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of California at Berkeley and his law degree from the University of Chicago. He is the managing partner of GJEL Accident Attorneys and has written and lectured in the field of plaintiffs’ personal injury law for numerous organizations. Andy is a highly recognized wrongful death lawyer in California.