New Jersey residents ride bikes for many reasons — in pursuit of their fitness goals, as transportation, to save money and because it benefits the environment. The state encourages this. However, there is no denying that riders are inherently vulnerable to injuries and loss of life when sharing the road with automobiles.
Given the dangerous behaviors of many drivers, riders face a seemingly endless number of risks they need to be aware of. Lawmakers, law enforcement and safety advocates focus on road safety in general, but it becomes a prominent issue when tragedy occurs.
Recently, two brothers were killed in a bicycle crash. One was a star in the National Hockey League and his brother has also played professionally. People who ride need to know the risks and what they and their families can do if they are unfortunate enough to be in a crash.
Bicycle safety under scrutiny in New Jersey after brothers are killed
The accident involving Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau happened as they were bicycling on an urban New Jersey road when an alleged drunk driver crashed into them and killed them. This has brought attention to bicycle safety in the Garden State.
While many roads in New Jersey have bicycle lanes, a great many do not. With that, drivers need to be vigilant when they are sharing the road with bicyclists. The most recent comprehensive statistics in the U.S. are from 2023. They show that there were more than 40,000 road deaths. More than 600 were in New Jersey. One in three were designated as “vulnerable” road users which includes bicyclists and pedestrians.
In 2024, the brothers’ deaths brought the total of riders who have lost their lives in the state to 17. This is 33% worse than in 2023. There are various dangers that hinge on where the person is riding. On a rural road – such as the one the Gaudreaus were riding on – there are no bicycle lanes and the shoulders are narrow. Both rural and city riders need to contend with drivers who might flout the speed limit, ignore road signs, drive while distracted and drive while under the influence.
Safety advocates like the Families for Safe Streets New Jersey are looking at the roads and how bicycle accidents occur. The absence of a bike-friendly infrastructure is believed to be a contributing factor. Advocates of Vision Zero – the traffic safety initiative with the objective of ending road accidents in the coming years – are pushing state lawmakers to move forward with the Target Zero Commission Bill. This would craft a strategy to reduce auto accidents.
Bicyclists must think about their options after an accident
A tragic bicycle accident that claimed the life of a prominent athlete and his brother has brought to light the potential hazards that riders face every day in New Jersey. In the aftermath, there is a growing movement to make roads throughout the state safer for bicyclists. Still, even safety measures and enforcement are unlikely to prevent all bike crashes.
When there is any type of motor vehicle accident, people can face injuries, medical costs, long-term damage and lost time on the job. Fatalities leave their families wondering what they can do to move forward. If it is bicycle or pedestrian accident, there is a greater likelihood of catastrophic injury due to the absence of protection. Considering what can be done to make a full recovery may require experienced guidance.
