Apr 23, 2025 - Blogs by Sky Law Group
Pedaling Through Riverside? Here’s How to Stay Safe—and Legally Protected
Whether you ride for fun, fitness, or as a daily commuter, cycling in Riverside offers beautiful routes and a growing bike culture. But while the city continues to invest in bike-friendly infrastructure, cyclists remain at high risk for accidents, especially on streets shared with fast-moving cars.
If you’ve ever been clipped by a car, forced to swerve around road hazards, or hurt in a collision, you know how vulnerable cyclists can be. This post explores how to protect yourself physically and legally while biking in Riverside. We’ll cover safety strategies, steps to take after a crash, and how a personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages if someone else’s negligence caused your injuries.
Riverside Bike Safety: What Riders Should Know Before Hitting the Road
While Riverside continues expanding its bike lanes and trails, certain areas remain high-risk zones for cyclists. Major roads like Arlington Avenue and Magnolia Avenue are shared by cars, buses, and delivery vehicles—many of which are speeding or distracted.
Here are essential tips to stay safe while biking in Riverside:
- Wear a helmet – It’s the single most effective way to prevent serious head injuries.
- Stay visible – Use front and rear lights, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Follow the rules of the road – Stop at red lights, signal your turns, and ride with the flow of traffic.
- Avoid the door zone – Stay at least three feet away from parked cars to prevent “dooring.”
- Stay alert – Avoid headphones and always watch for vehicles making sudden moves.
Even when you do everything right, accidents still happen. And when they do, having a strong personal injury case starts with knowing your rights and acting quickly.
After the Crash: Steps to Take If You’re Injured While Cycling in Riverside
Being involved in a bike accident is physically and emotionally jarring. In that moment, you might be unsure of what to do next—but your actions could determine whether you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been in a bike accident, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 – Always report the accident to law enforcement and request medical assistance, even if you think you’re okay.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, the vehicle(s) involved, and road conditions.
- Talk to witnesses – Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the crash.
- Seek medical care – Visit a hospital or urgent care clinic. Some injuries, like internal damage or concussions, may not show up right away.
- Do not accept fault – Keep your statements factual. Admitting guilt can be used against you later.
Then, consult a lawyer who specializes in personal injury and bicycle law. At Sky Law Group, we help Riverside cyclists understand their legal options, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for full and fair compensation.
If a motorcycle or car was involved in the crash, your case might overlap with traffic accident law, making it even more important to have an experienced attorney on your side.
Legal Protection for Cyclists: How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When you’re hit by a car while riding your bike, you’re entitled to the same legal protections as any motor vehicle driver. However, insurance companies often try to shift the blame onto cyclists or minimize the severity of their injuries. That’s where a personal injury lawyer comes in.
At Sky Law Group, we help cyclists in Riverside by:
- Investigating the accident thoroughly – We collect crash reports, witness statements, video footage, and expert opinions to support your claim.
- Determining liability – Whether it’s a negligent driver, the city for poor road maintenance, or a manufacturer for faulty bike parts, we identify all responsible parties.
- Calculating your true damages – This includes current and future medical expenses, lost income, physical and emotional suffering, and the cost to replace or repair your bike.
You generally have two years to file a personal injury claim in California. However, if your crash involved a city-owned road or government vehicle, the window to file a claim can be as short as six months—making it crucial to act fast.
If your case also involves a motorcycle accident or shared fault, we can navigate the complex legal elements and comparative negligence rules to make sure you’re not shortchanged in your recovery.
Conclusion: Ride Smart, Stay Safe, and Know Your Rights
Cycling should be an empowering, eco-friendly, and healthy way to travel. But when a ride goes wrong, the legal and financial consequences can be overwhelming. Don’t let someone else’s negligence derail your life.
At Sky Law Group, we’re proud to represent cyclists across Riverside, Santa Ana, Anaheim, and Orange who’ve been injured due to unsafe road conditions, careless drivers, or defective bike parts. We’re here to fight for your rights and help you get back on the road—with confidence and security.
Want more legal tips? Browse our blog for guides on car accidents, medical malpractice, and slip and fall injuries—or schedule a free consultation today.
FAQ: Bike Safety and Legal Protection in Riverside
Do cyclists have the same rights as drivers in California?
Yes. Bicyclists have the same legal rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, including the right to file personal injury claims after an accident.
Can I sue if I was hit by a car while biking?
Absolutely. If a driver’s negligence caused the accident, you can file a claim for damages, including medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California follows a comparative fault system, so you can still recover damages even if you were partly responsible. Your compensation will be adjusted accordingly.
What should I do if I hit a pothole and get injured?
You may be able to file a claim against the city or municipality responsible for road maintenance—but act quickly, as government claims have shorter deadlines.
Do I really need a lawyer if my injuries aren’t serious?
Yes. Minor injuries can worsen over time, and insurance companies often offer low settlements. A lawyer ensures you receive fair treatment and proper compensation.