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If you’re the type of cycling enthusiast who loves sharing the joys of the road with others, it’s been a tough 18 months. The COVID-19 pandemic has put a significant damper on the communal aspect of cycling, with many races being canceled and many other events delayed. Fortunately, with recent vaccine progress, group activity is less risky than it was during the worst of the pandemic.

This raises an important question: Is it safe to share the road with others on a group bike ride?

Let’s take a closer look. 

Riding in a Group: Is it Safe Again?

A recent article in bicycle.com explored the issue of cycling during COVID-19. With many U.S. states having differing levels of outbreaks — and lots of conflicting information out there — it’s difficult to gauge whether certain activities are safe.

Bicycling.com notes that guidance on this issue must be understood in the context of where you live (some states have much higher case counts) and your own personal risk tolerance (some cyclists are much more likely to be seriously affected by the virus).

That said, there are a few things to consider:

Health experts believe outdoor transmission is much more difficult than transmission in enclosed spaces, so this is a significant point in favor of riding outside, even in groups.

Trust among riding partners is key. If those joining your group ride are not feeling well, it’s imperative that they stay home.

Avoid stopping for a coffee at your favorite mid or post-ride break spot. This can help you avoid the crowds.

Maintain at least ten to twelve feet of distance during the ride. This means choosing an area where you can spread out as a group. While six feet of distance might be OK for the general public, cycling occurs at high speed and those riding behind another person will quickly occupy the air space of the person in front.

The smaller the group, the better.

Is community spread of the virus low in your area?

Wearing a mask during a group ride can help limit transmission.

Avoid using crowded public restrooms.

Vaccinate yourself — and ride with others who are vaccinated.

The Bottom Line for Summer 2021

With case counts in the U.S. reaching new lows — and more than half of Americans having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine — the risk of taking a bike ride with friends has sharply decreased.

Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control recently adjusted its guidance for outdoor activity, asserting that the risk of outdoor spread is low.

While you should still exercise reasonable caution, we believe today is a great day for a bike ride with friends.

Finding the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases he accepts. If you’ve been injured in a collision, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Collisions are stressful experiences. Discovering that the other party lacks insurance makes it an even more frustrating experience for an injured cyclist.

So what happens when a cyclist is struck by an uninsured driver?

Let’s take a closer look at how such scenarios typically unfold.

How to Respond When You’re in a Collision With an Uninsured Driver

California drivers are required to carry auto insurance that covers certain minimum damage claims. When these drivers are in a collision with a cyclist, the process for submitting an insurance claim and receiving compensation from the at-fault party is much the same as with collision between two cars or a car and a truck.

If the other person does not have insurance, or carries insurance with insufficient coverage limits, you still have options.

The first is pursuing a claim with your own insurance company. If you carry uninsured and under-insured motorist coverage on your auto policy, you may be able to file a successful claim for your cycling incident. The amount you may receive is typically capped by your policy. Policies with higher premiums will have higher coverage limits.

If you can prove the motorist was at-fault for the collision, the legal system allows you to make claims for certain compensation. You can sue for medical injuries and expenses, lost wages and the pain you have suffered.

In such cases, it is important to establish liability, so make sure you contact police, ask for a traffic accident report, ask for contact information from any witnesses at the scene and take visual evidence of the crash site. Such information may be invaluable for the success of a lawsuit.

Choosing the right attorney is also an important step. Because these cases can be quite complex, it is advisable to work with an attorney who specializes in this field of litigation.

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he accepts. If you’ve been injured in a collision, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Cycling can be one of life’s most exhilarating activities. Yet if you fail to pay attention to basic safety protocols, you can quickly find yourself on the pavement or in the dirt, victimized by a brutal crash.

Most dedicated cyclists have a crash story or two, or at least a near miss. It’s not an experience that any of us are looking forward to repeating.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at some simple yet effective steps you can take to minimize your risks on the road.

• Keep your bikes well-maintained — and pay particular attention to the brakes, gears and chain. If these systems fail, you could be in serious trouble.
• Use a high-quality helmet. We only get one brain, so we need to be very careful with it. A well-made (and just as importantly, well-fitting) helmet is one of the most impactful things we can do to protect ourselves.
• Pay attention to parked cars. Open door crashes are some of the deadliest (and sadly, most frequent) types of collisions in cycling. Hitting a door that opens unexpectedly can launch you into the air at great speed.
• Work under the assumption that drivers cannot see you, even if they can. Why? Because texting while driving is at epidemic levels. It’s also a deadly risk to cyclists.
• In the same vein, don’t text or use your phone while biking. This is also dangerous. Whatever it is can wait until you pull over.
• Headphones, also, can limit your ability to maintain situational awareness.
• Pay close attention to the conditions. If roads are slick, give yourself more time to stop. Reduce your speed.
• Watch for animals appearing in the road. They can sneak up on you just like an open car door can.
• A nice pair of bike gloves can improve your grip and help you negotiate poor weather conditions.
• Keep an eye on what’s beneath you. Pavement cracks, rocks and other ground hazards can quickly lead to a crash.

By following these ten safety tips, you can minimize your odds of suffering a crash — and maximize your odds of enjoying many beautiful summer bike rides.

Finding the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he accepts. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Cycling has never been more popular. With COVID-19 leading people to seek socially distanced recreation options — as well as alternatives to mass transit for their commutes — sales of bicycles are soaring.

Yet while biking may be growing ever more popular, it is also becoming somewhat more risky. With fewer cars and trucks on the road, traffic safety observers say that driving behavior has become considerably more reckless.

So how can drivers and cyclists co-exist peacefully and share the road without conflict? Technology may be the answer.

How New Technology Can Keep Cyclists From Harm

In a recent New York Times article, it’s reported that bicycle fatalities in the city more than tripled between 2018 and 2019. Those numbers left city officials scrambling for new ways to create safer road conditions.

One obvious answer was additional bike lanes. New York and other major metros have substantially increased their number of protected bike lanes in recent years. This, along with focusing on making problem intersections safer, has been a key area of emphasis.

However, these solutions can only go so far. To take the next step, it may be necessary to seek technological solutions. The New York Times outlines one such scenario:

“Last fall in Turin — before that area of Italy became a pandemic epicenter — a wobbly cyclist skirted a line of parked cars on a jammed suburban street as a large sedan rapidly approached from behind. In the morning drizzle, the driver was focused on a four-way stop that was coming up.

Suddenly a warning graphic flashed on a display above the dashboard, indicating that a bicyclist was directly ahead, and the driver slowed to give the rider more room.”

“Such encounters are part of a future vision of bicycle-to-vehicle communications that could help prevent accidents. The Turin demonstration, supported by Fiat Chrysler and the 5G Automotive Association trade group, involved a 5G wireless program meant to illustrate the advantages of high- speed communications among cars, bicycles, traffic systems and city infrastructure. (This has an alphabet soup nickname, C-V2X, for “cellular vehicle-to-everything.”) The LINKS Foundation, a tech company, had outfitted the demo bicycle with a global navigation device to determine its precise location and a 5G transceiver to convey that information to nearby vehicles. The concept envisions a future where everything — literally the internet of things — is online to create smart roads and smart cities. Traffic lights will see cars coming, cars will see pedestrians at intersections, and bicycles will talk to cars.”

For cyclists who are used to being harried by aggressive drivers in traffic or cut-off by motorists who aren’t paying attention, such technological advances are a welcome addition to their safety tool kits. Today cyclists have access to some limited tools to prevent crashes (such as Garmin’s radar taillight, which warns of approaching cars). Drivers, too, can opt for safety packages that will automatically warn them when cyclists are visible (and even auto-brake in some cases).

While these tools are very helpful, they rely on cameras and cannot see around corners. They also sometimes have difficulty distinguishing bikes from other objects. Yet as technology matures, cyclists will be much better protected when enjoying a ride.

Finding the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he accepts. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Electric bikes have taken the country by storm, as casual and serious cyclists alike look for new methods of recreation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because e-bikes offer pedal assistance, they are also especially well-suited for people seeking new ways to commute and avoid mass transit.

Yet the experience of riding an e-bike differs in many ways from conventional bike riding — and cyclists need to bear this in mind in order to stay safe on the road.

Unfortunately, some research shows that not everyone is heeding this advice.

Let’s take a closer look at the factors at play behind the safe use of e-bikes.

The Surging Popularity of E-bikes

Electric bikes typically come in three classes and can travel anywhere from 20 to 30 miles per hour, based on the size of the accompanying motor.

According to the New York Times, e-bike sales have soared by 70% since the beginning of the pandemic. The Times also took a look at how users are interacting with e-bikes, and whether they are associated with greater injury.

The first study was published in July in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. According to the Times, the study:

“Involved 101 healthy adult men and women in Hamburg, Germany, who agreed to alternate riding either a standard bicycle or an e-bike over two separate two-week periods. Each volunteer chose his or her preferred e-bike model, with most picking road bikes having top assisted speeds of about 20 miles per hour. To compensate for the novelty factor, participants spent a couple of weeks getting used to their e-bikes before the study period. The researchers also provided their volunteers with activity monitors, heart rate monitors and a specialized phone app where the riders could record their trips, distance and how physically draining each ride had felt.

The scientists found that electric assistance altered riding habits. According to the Times:

“In general, the men and women rode more often during the two weeks with e-bikes, averaging about five rides a week then, versus three a week with the standard cycles. Interestingly, the distances of most people’s rides did not budge, whichever type of bike they rode; their rides were not lengthier on the e-bikes, but they were more frequent.

Their heart rates also differed. In general, people’s heart rates were about 8 percent lower when they pedaled e-bikes, but still consistently hovered within the range considered moderate exercise. As a result, during the two weeks when the volunteers rode e-bikes, they accumulated sufficient minutes of moderate physical activity to meet the standard exercise recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate activity. When they rode the standard bikes, they did not.”

Are E-bike Injuries More Serious or More Frequent?

The study did not reveal whether injuries with e-bikes were more common. However, a second study from NYU’s School of Medicine found that e-bike injuries are more severe than conventional bike injuries and more likely to cause hospitalization.

Researchers in that study combed through emergency room records dating from 2000 to 2017 to find relevant data.

Experts interviewed by The New York Times speculate that speed is the likely culprit behind the more severe injuries.

To ride safely, experts encourage new e-bike users to wear a helmet, ride slowly, practice braking — and wear a mask to help limit exposure to COVID-19.

Finding the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

A traffic accident can shake anyone up — even if it’s relatively minor. When you’re on a bicycle and fully exposed to the elements, an accident can be even more unsettling. That’s why it makes sense to prepare for this possibility in advance.

In this post, we’re going to examine the best steps for obtaining a police report in the wake of an accident — and discuss why doing so is essential.

Why a Traffic Collision Report Matters

If you are in an accident that is serious enough to require the attention of law enforcement, it’s critically important for you to obtain a traffic collision report at the scene of the incident.

Such reports often weigh heavily into insurance claim settlement negotiations, as they are perceived to provide an objective take on what happened.

While a report in your favor will not guarantee a favorable settlement or successful litigation, it may be very beneficial. Likewise, a report that is not in your favor does not necessarily mean you have no legal case or will not receive a fair insurance settlement.

How to Obtain a Report

In California, police will arrive on scene and make an official accounting of the accident within a traffic collision report. This report may offer information provided by witnesses or involved parties, and may indicate fault.

In most cases, it will be incumbent upon you to ask for this report. Many times the responding officer will provide you with a report number you can use for future reference. In the absence of this, you can contact the law enforcement agency that created the report and ask for access to the report. This may require a trip to the local courthouse, police station, or another administration building. Reports may take up to a week or more to become available, depending on the jurisdiction. There may also be a fee.

Remember, reports are not always accurate. In fact, they are sometimes riddled with errors. If you need to correct a report, consider doing so, but only after you consult with an attorney.

It is sometimes possible to have a report created after the fact, as long as the time elapsed between the accident and your attempt is reasonable. If contacting authorities was not possible for whatever reason at the time of the collision, you may attempt to have a report written the following day. However, such reports may not be as persuasive as an on-scene report in the eyes of a negotiator.

Finding the Right Bike Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

The greatest danger to cyclists is those with whom they share the road. Namely, drivers of cars and trucks. It takes just a single flash of inattention for a motorist to change the life of a cyclist irrevocably.

And when a motorist — in a fit of anger — decides to drive aggressively, the danger to cyclists grows exponentially.

So, what can a cyclist do to prevent such a scenario from occurring? Let’s take a closer look.

How to Avoid Drivers Exhibiting Road Rage

While you might view road rage incidents as relatively rare, the truth is that they are causing death and injury at significant rates. According to statistics from AAA, road rage accounted for more than 200 murders and 12,600 injuries over a recent seven-year period.

While it’s unknown how many of these incidents involved cyclists, what is known is that cyclists are especially vulnerable, given how exposed they are.

To prevent escalation of dangerous interactions, cyclists should consider doing the following:

• Ride with video cameras. This often proves instrumental in establishing what occurred during a hostile road interaction. Additionally, the presence of a video camera will sometimes encourage people to act more responsibly once they know their actions are being recorded.
• At the first sign of road rage behavior, pull over to the side of the road and situate yourself safely away from traffic. Jot down the details of the driver who is exhibiting road rage behavior (make and model of vehicle, driver description, name of road and direction of traffic etc.).
• Avoid interacting with the motorist. While cyclists sometimes feel the need to educate drivers about the rules of the road and the duty of caution that should be given to cyclists and others who share it, interactions like this often go poorly. A bad interaction can increase tempers and make a situation like this even more volatile.
• If you feel threatened by immediate danger or violence, call 911.

Why Road Rage Occurs

A recent article on Bicycle.com that deals with the topic of road rage points out that cyclists are often victims of dehumanization. Motorists don’t see them as people, but rather as objects that are in their way as they try to progress through traffic.

When a driver approaches from behind and cannot see the face of a cyclist, they don’t view the cyclist as a fellow parent, son, daughter, or friend. Instead, they view the cyclist as an obstacle.

In recent years road safety advocates have worked to help motorists overcome this tendency by highlighting the humanity of cyclists in public awareness campaigns and working to develop empathy.

Yet in a world where driver inattention is widespread, it ultimately remains incumbent upon cyclists to take care of ourselves.

Why Gary Brustin is the Right Choice for Cyclists

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident law. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

California has given the world many innovative new products and services — and ridesharing is one great example. Just a little over a decade ago, Uber was a tiny startup operating in the Bay Area. Today Uber, Lyft and other ridesharing firms are an entrenched part of daily life for millions and millions of people.

Yet while ridesharing vehicles can offer convenience and help reduce traffic density or the need for car ownership, they can also present a hazard on the road. That hazard is especially dangerous for cyclists, who have little protection from a recklessly driven car. The same is true for ridesharing’s more analog forerunner, taxi services.

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the danger of collisions between cyclists and ridesharing vehicles/taxis.

The Facts About These Accidents

Cyclists can be injured in a number of different ways by Uber or taxi drivers. Some of the most common include being “doored,” having the driver illegally enter a protected bike lane and unlawful turns, stops and lane changes. Any of these maneuvers can leave a cyclist with lifelong injuries or result in death.

In the wake of a collision, the victim can either choose to negotiate with the insurer of the taxi or ridesharing service or hire an attorney. Insurance companies representing these companies often vigorously contest claims, or try to get victims to settle for the lowest possible dollar amount. Most insurers employ teams of skilled claims personnel, people who generally have considerable experience and expertise in negotiation and investigation.

Because most injured cyclists are not trained in this fashion, this creates an asymmetrical negotiation, where one side has a much better understanding on what constitutes a “fair” deal. This setup is in the insurer’s favor and often results in victims taking less than they deserve.

Additionally, because ridesharing is fairly new, the laws surrounding ridesharing accidents are somewhat complex and vary between jurisdictions.

Hiring an attorney is a smart way to ensure that you are not lowballed or treated with anything less than the respect you deserve. An attorney can also help you navigate the settlement process, or file a legal action should that process not bear fruit.

Why Gary Brustin is the Right Choice for Cyclists

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident litigation. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Cyclists deal with a variety of road hazards: Potholes, unprotected lanes and inattentive motorists, just to name a few. Yet perhaps no hazard strikes as much fear in the heart of a cyclist as being “doored.”

Also sometimes called “dooring,” it’s a scenario that can cause serious injury or death. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at why being doored is dangerous, and what you should do if it happens to you.

How California Law Protects Cyclists from Dooring

California law requires that motorists do not open doors in the path of cyclists.

California Vehicle Code 22517 states:

“No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”

Yet while the law is crystal clear, cyclists are still doored with alarming frequency. Though motorists are mandated to carefully check for approaching cyclists, they often fail to do so.

This leads to two types of dooring accidents: Cyclists colliding head on with an open door and being flung from their bikes, or cyclists swerving to avoid the door only to crash into traffic.

Studies have shown that dooring may be responsible for up to 20% of serious bike crashes. More importantly, the unexpected, high impact nature of dooring makes it especially likely to cause serious injury or even death.

What to Do if You’ve Been Doored

If you’ve been injured after being doored, it’s important to contact the authorities. The motorist who is responsible may be ticketed, or face more serious charges depending on the severity of your injuries.

After contacting the authorities, document the scene with photos and video and talk to any witnesses who are present. This can be important down the road if you wish to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit.

It’s also important to keep track of any medical bills or lost wages that result from your injury.

Finally, if your injury is significant, you may wish to contact an attorney — ideally one who specializes in bicycle accident litigation.

Why Gary Brustin is the Right Choice for Cyclists

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident litigation. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

New research from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) is harrowing reading for those who love to cycle on California’s roads.

According to NHTSA researchers, more cyclists died on California roads between 2016 and 2018 than in any other three year stretch in history, with 455 total fatalities.

The rise wasn’t merely in sheer number of deaths, either. While population growth could explain a higher fatality total, researchers found the death rate (3.9 fatal accidents per million people) was at an all time high. The rate was a return to numbers last seen in the early 1990s, before California and other states made massive investments in bike lanes and safer streets initiatives.

Nationally, the death rate was also higher, reaching 2.6 deaths per million people, the highest three year rate in more than a decade.

Why is the Death Rate Climbing?

According to a recent article in US News and World Report, several trends are behind this rise in cyclist deaths. They include distracted driving, more drivers on the road and the rising popularity of SUVs. Other factors include biking becoming a more popular commuting option and the explosive popularity of bike share programs in large cities.

Julia Griswold, a researcher at the University of California-Berkeley‘s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, told US News and World Report:

“There’s definitely been an increase in popularity of cycling,” she said. “And (since the economy) has recovered from the 2008 crash, there’s been an increase in driving.”

Jennifer Boldry, director of research at PeopleForBikes, a national nonprofit that advocates for greater bike access and safety, told US News and World Report that distracted driving and larger vehicles were making life more dangerous for cyclists.

Boldry alluded to a recent study by the National Transportation Safety Board illustrating the danger of so-called “midblock” collisions. These are accidents occurring in-between intersections where speeds are higher, and they have been shown to cause more significant injuries for cyclists. Boldry said as drivers cruise in areas between intersections, they are more prone to look at smartphones or text, resulting in more mid-block collisions.

Boldry also pointed out that SUVs have larger blind spots and sit higher. This makes it more difficult to see cyclists and increases the odds that a cyclist will be hit in the head or chest rather than the legs — something that can lead to critical injuries.

Safe cycling advocates say that speed limit reduction and distracted driving enforcement — and greater emphasis on safe cycling infrastructure –are key to lowering death rates in California and elsewhere.

The Right Cycling Accident Attorney for You

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident litigation. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

You’ve probably seen at least a few people zipping around town on an electronic bike. After all, sales of e-bikes are growing at a rate of almost 100% year over year, according to NPD Group, a market research firm. In some bicycle-mad countries, such as The Netherlands, e-bikes have already overtaken traditional bikes in sales.

So why are e-bikes gaining such traction? Let’s take a closer look at what they have to offer.

The Basics About E-bikes

Electronic bikes are much like traditional bicycles, but they also feature a battery powered boost. A small motor helps assist with pedaling, giving riders a much-needed boost when they encounter inclines or other difficult terrain.

The overall experience is much like a conventional bike, but with an added zip of acceleration, allowing you to traverse challenging spaces with much less effort. Along with pedal assist features, some e-bikes have a throttle that allows for the motor to be turned on with a button push. These bikes are therefore less of a hybrid experience and offer more pure power.

No matter the setup, e-bikes aren’t designed for high-level speed. Most motors have governors that limited speed to 28 mph or lower. Cyclists can also choose how much of a power assist they want to access, with many e-bikes featuring multiple settings: turbo, economy, low etc.

One of the core benefits of purchasing an e-bike is the opportunity to get out on roads and trails more often. A survey of e-bike owners by an industry group showed that 91% of traditional cyclists who purchased an e-bike began riding daily or weekly, while only roughly half of this group were daily or weekly riders before the purchase.

Because e-bikes allow you to travel faster and with less exertion, it becomes possible to take longer trips, explore new areas and build endurance.

Finally, because e-bikes offer greater range and speed, they are a legitimate automobile replacement in a way that traditional pedal-powered bikes aren’t. Commuters, in particular, have been drawn to e-bikes, along with people who wish to avoid traffic and parking hassles or who wish to reduce their carbon footprint.

Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident litigation. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.

Over the last few months we’ve heard a series of media reports detailing the dramatically negative impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the national economy. There are, however, a few exceptions — and the bicycle industry is one of them.

Why Bike Sales are Booming During a Global Pandemic

A recent NBC News report detailed the rising popularity of bikes among California retail buyers. Kevin Brown, the owner of the BikeMan bicycle shop in Palm Desert, told NBC News that buyer interest had exceeded his expectations.

“The bicycle business is experiencing a tremendous boom right now — there’s a lot of people that have rediscovered getting outside and riding their bicycles,” Brown said.

Brown told reporters that sales “are tremendous” and that his repair business is also surging.

“The phone is ringing constantly and a lot of people are bringing bikes in that have been hanging out in the garage for quite some time and need a little bit of t.l.c..,” he said.

While COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on many local businesses, those in the cycling industry can take some small consolation in the fact that people are gravitating toward socially distant exercising options.

“The bicycle industry as a whole on a national basis has been scratching their head and trying to figure out how to get more people out on bikes, Brown said. “The industry didn’t realize it would take a global pandemic to do that.”

Will the New Business Stick?

Brown’s increased sales align with other reports of bike shops across the country, where stock has been fast depleted thanks to heightened demand. The trend is especially pronounced in urban areas, where people are trying to minimize use of subways and other forms of mass transit.

Yet will these new legions of cyclists stick with it?

We think so. Once you take a bike on the beautiful roads and trails of California, you’re often a committed cyclist for life. We think most of these new cyclists will fall in love with it, just as we did.

Choosing the Right Bicycle Accident Attorney

Gary Brustin is a lifelong cyclist and a specialist in bicycle accident litigation. In fact, these are the only types of cases that he will accept. If you’ve been injured in a collision or have suffered from the negligence of another, we urge you to contact Gary for a complimentary consultation.