What happens when an 81 year-old Academy Award winning actor gets knocked off his bicycle by a truck? The bicycle accident sounds more gruesome than it turns out to be. He's injured, but generally okay. The incident is cautionary though: these things can happen to anybody, even a famous, stoic actor like Gene Hackman.

First, drivers need to responsibly share the road with cyclists. They must take extra precautions to look for them and treat cyclists like any other vehicle. They have a right to share the road. A car accident involving a pedestrian or a cyclist can be catastrophic and usually easily preventable.

Second, bicyclists can best protect themselves by wearing a helmet when cycling. Hackman reportedly wasn't wearing a helmet, which can easily lead to a serious brain injury if not death. Cyclists can also increase their visibility to others by wearing reflective clothing, a flag, an orange triangle, flashing lights, etc. Of course, not wearing this protective gear does not mean that a cyclist had an injury coming to them.

Smaller vehicles like motorcycles and bicycles can be difficult to see when driving a larger vehicle or when surrounded by bigger vehicles. But that's not an excuse for a driver to use when he or she causes a car accident due to negligence on the roads.

Bicycles and motorcycles are gaining in popularity because of the overall economic conditions, rising fuel prices, green thinking and personal health choices. City messengers, meter maids, police, even guided tours use bicycles and segues for transportation.

As this alternative gains in popularity, the automobile, SUV, and truck drivers need to develop a more cautious approach to sharing the roadways. So, do each other a favor, drivers be more alert, cyclers be more visible. This arrangement works out best for everyone.

Source

CNN: "Gene Hackman struck by car while riding bike," Jan. 13, 2012