Bike Lane U-Turn Enforcement to Reduce Bicycle Crash Fatalities

Making a U-Turn into a Bike Lane in DC could result in a ticket, as the the District tries to increase bicycle commuter safety and reduce the number of fatal biker crashes

Consider yourself warned !  The District of Columbia police will start ticketing drivers who make U-turns in the city’s bike lanes.  Motorists who make U-Turns in bike lanes will face a $100 fine. In 2010 and 2011, 11 of 14 total bike crashes on Pennsylvania Avenue happened after a driver made an illegal turn according to DC officials. After making warnings, law enforcement officers in our nation’s capitol will enforce the crackdown on Pennsylvania Avenue bicycle lane U-turns according to news reports.

Authorities will be issuing citations to those who make illegal turns. This measure should make cycling in DC safer for bicycle commuters. Emergency regulations enacted by the Mayor last year stepped up the pressure on car, truck and taxi cab drivers, who are not allowed to make U-turns across the bicycle lanes even when there are no cyclists near them. The fine for making an improper turn is $100.  If you or someone you know or care for has been injured as the result of a bike, car, truck, taxi cab or motorcycle crash and there are questions about what laws apply, e-mail or call us at ABRAMS LANDAU, Ltd. (703-796-9555) at once.