St. James City resident Patti Merickel, who sustained life-threatening injuries in a collision with an automobile, urges both motorists and sidewalk users to be vigilant at all times.

“Many of the people approaching the bike path don’t always stop and look both ways before entering traffic and both drivers and pedestrians are often in jeopardy as a result,” said Merickel. “It is very important that we keep vigilant about how we approach side streets that cross the bike path so that it is safe for everyone.”

Earlier this year, while enjoying her daily ride along the bike path in St. James City, Merickel was approaching Manatee Drive when the accident occurred.

“The only recollection I have about the accident was waking up in the ambulance, hearing the sirens and knowing they were for me,” Merickel said. “My friend who was following me that morning, however, has filled me in since then. Apparently a woman pulled up to the stop sign at the end of Manatee and then pulled forward quickly into the bike path. I was told by my friend that I yelled car just before I hit the rear passenger door. Fortunately I always wear a helmet, but I hit the car with the side of my face causing numerous facial fractures and a concussion. I feel though; I am lucky to be alive and I was lucky to be wearing a helmet otherwise this would have been catastrophic.”

Merickel said that while the police report did find the driver of the automobile at fault, it also stated that the accident occurred because sight of the path was impaired due to heavy vegetation at the end of the road.

Merickel also said that she believes that a lot of the problems with the bike path could be resolved through awareness and courtesy.

“I think it is important for both bike path users and motorists to be aware of the use rules and extending courtesies to one another would go a long way in avoiding problems,” Merickel said. “I make a habit of saying thank you to motorists who are kind enough to follow the rules and allow me to pass safely. Kindness can go a long way when it comes to the safety of everyone concerned.”

According to Florida State bicycle laws, cyclists are afforded the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians. In the rules governing sidewalk riding section 316.2065, F.S. states “When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian.”

With regard to motorist responsibilities drivers are to treat cyclists like any other pedestrian. “When pulling out from a side street, into the bike path, motorists are required to yield to bicycles who have the right-of-way.” A cyclist’s speed should never be underestimated and complete stops should always be made at the stop sign to scan both directions of the bike path/sidewalk before proceeding to the road way.

“I have always ridden in the bike path because I believed it was far safer than riding in the road, but, after my accident, I realized that this is not without its dangers as well,” said Merickel. “There is much to be done in terms of pubic awareness to assure that motorists and bikers are informed and can develop a mutual respect of the rules of the road and path. My advice to both cyclists and motorists is to be constantly aware of one another, exercise caution when approaching crosswalks and by all means cyclists need to wear helmets. I know mine saved my life.”