Cycling is a popular activity in Arizona, whether for commuting, exercise, or recreation. While enjoyable, it also carries significant risks, especially when sharing the road with motor vehicles. Bicycle accidents can result in severe, life-altering injuries. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, the dedicated personal injury attorneys at AZ Law Now Injury Attorneys are here to help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Our roads must be safe for everyone, including cyclists. Unfortunately, negligent drivers often fail to respect cyclists’ rights, leading to devastating consequences.

Understanding Bicycle Laws and Rights in Arizona

In Arizona, bicyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators (A.R.S. § 28-812). This means they have the right to be on the road and must obey all traffic laws. However, specific laws also apply to cyclists, such as:

• Riding on the Right: Cyclists must ride as far to the right as practicable, except when passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards (A.R.S. § 28-815).
• Equipment Requirements: Bicycles must be equipped with a brake, and if ridden at night, a white headlight visible from at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector or light (A.R.S. § 28-817).
• Helmet Laws: Arizona has no statewide helmet law for bicyclists of all ages. However, some cities or counties may have local ordinances, particularly for minors. Regardless of the law, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended to prevent serious head injuries.

Drivers of motor vehicles have a duty to exercise due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists (A.R.S. § 28-735 – Overtaking bicycles). Failure to do so can constitute negligence.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Arizona

Many bicycle accidents are preventable and caused by the negligence or recklessness of motorists. Common causes include:

• Failure to Yield: Drivers failing to yield the right-of-way to cyclists at intersections, stop signs, or when cyclists are in bike lanes.
• Distracted Driving: Drivers texting, talking on the phone, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.
• Speeding: Drivers going too fast to react to a cyclist’s presence.
• “Dooring”: Drivers or passengers opening car doors into the path of an oncoming cyclist.
• Unsafe Lane Changes: Drivers failing to check for cyclists before changing lanes or merging.
• Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Impaired drivers with reduced reaction times and judgment.
• Ignoring Traffic Signals or Signs.
• Poorly Maintained Roads or Bike Paths: Hazards like potholes or debris.

Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the accident (A.R.S. § 12-542). If you fail to file a lawsuit within this period, you will likely lose your right to recover compensation. It’s crucial to contact an attorney well before this deadline.