By Dominguezfirm
For California cyclists, 2024 marks a turning point towards safer streets. Assembly Bill 1909, in effect since January 1st, allows cyclists to cross with pedestrians, effectively granting them the crucial advantage of Leading Pedestrian Interval (LPI) technology. LPI technology gives pedestrians, and now cyclists in the Golden State, a head start crossing the street before cars get the green light, making them more visible and reducing crashes. This seemingly minor change signifies a major step towards reducing cyclist-vehicle collisions.
LPI technology equips traffic signals with the ability to give pedestrians a head start of three to seven seconds before cars get a green light. Studies have shown this head start dramatically reduces pedestrian accidents, even eliminating them in some cases. With AB 1909 now in place, California joins a growing number of states extending this safety measure to cyclists.
The potential impact is significant. The New York City Department of Transportation conducted a study that revealed intersections are the most dangerous zones for cyclists, accounting for up to 89% of all crashes. The extra seconds granted by LPI give cyclists more time to navigate intersections, potentially eliminating a major vulnerability.
However, it’s crucial to remember that AB 1909 does not create an automatic shield for cyclists. The responsibility for safety remains shared. Drivers must respect LPI regulations and yield to cyclists crossing during the pedestrian walk signal. Cyclists, in turn, must exercise caution by obeying traffic laws, signaling clearly, and remaining vigilant at intersections, even with the added protection of LPI.
Unfortunately, several concerning trends threaten to undermine the potential safety gains of AB 1909. The rise of road rage incidents and increased speeding, which began during the COVID lockdowns, pose serious dangers to cyclists and pedestrians alike. This dangerous trend shows in the number of bicyclist fatalities in the U.S., which jumped a shocking 37% between 2012 (900 deaths) and 2021 (1,230 deaths), according to the National Safety Council.
In most cases, a crash between a bicycle and a motor vehicle will leave the cyclist with severe injuries. If that happens, a cyclist should know their legal rights. Attorney J.J. Dominguez of The Dominguez Firm explains, “Bicycle riders can easily suffer major and even catastrophic injuries if they get into an accident with a car and other large vehicle. They or their loved ones need to consult with a bicycle accident attorney immediately if the unthinkable happens. Given the medical bills the accident victim faces, they need to look into filing a personal injury claim against the driver who hit them, especially if the driver was acting recklessly or negligently.”
As Californians adjust to the new law, the following reminders are crucial for both cyclists and motorists:
For Cyclists:
Be predictable: Signal clearly and follow traffic laws.
Remain visible: Use proper bike lights and reflective gear, especially at night.
Ride defensively: Assume you are not seen and exercise caution, even at intersections with LPI.
For Drivers:
Yield to pedestrians and cyclists: Pay attention to LPI signals and allow those crossing ample time.
Reduce speed: Obey posted speed limits and slow down near intersections.
Avoid distractions: Put away your phone and focus on the road.
Share the road: Be patient and courteous towards cyclists and pedestrians.
Both cyclists and drivers should stay current on new traffic laws, too. Ignorance of the law does not excuse bad behavior.
AB 1909 offers a promising step towards safer streets for California cyclists. However, its effectiveness relies heavily on responsible behavior from both parties. By prioritizing awareness, caution, and respect for each other, we can make our roads safer for everyone. Remember, two seconds could mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Let’s make every second count on the road.
Published by: Holy Minoza
