Handlebars & Headlines: Why Bicycles Have Rights Too

There are few things I enjoy more than taking my bike out on the  Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) . On a crisp morning, when the fog lifts off the river and the first light hits the valley, it’s easy to forget about the pressures of the day and just enjoy the ride. The 70-mile LRHT is one of our community’s greatest assets — a ribbon of trail that connects Scranton to beyond Carbondale, winding through Archbald, Blakely, Dickson City, Jermyn, Jessup, Mayfield, Olyphant, Throop, and some of our most historic neighborhoods.

But I’ll be honest — every time I ride, I’m reminded that cycling in our area isn’t without risks. The trail doesn’t run uninterrupted. There are sections, especially in  Archbald, Carbondale, and the Plot section of Scranton, where you have to leave the path and merge onto roadways. In  South Scranton, you cross busy streets like Olive, Vine, and Elm. In Green Ridge you have to pass Market Street, and Green Ridge Street. These transitions bring you directly into traffic, and they’re the moments I find myself most alert — because it only takes one distracted driver to change everything.

 

Excitement and Hesitation

Some of you may have read an article recently about how the  City of Scranton was seeking grants to create a six-mile bicycle loop  connecting the LRHT to the Iron Furnaces and Nay Aug Park. At first, I thought this was wonderful news — the idea of connecting some of our city’s most iconic landmarks through a dedicated cycling route is inspiring.

But I’ll admit, I also felt hesitant. The truth is, outside of our trails, our city isn’t always what you’d call “bike friendly.” Then I read further and saw mention of  “sharrows”  — lanes specifically marked for bicycles. That gave me hope. Still, I couldn’t shake the fear many of us feel, because we’ve all read the articles or seen the news: stories of bicyclists being struck by cars right here in our region. And that reality weighs heavily on anyone who rides.

Remembering Our Rights and Responsibilities

One thing I’ve learned, both as a cyclist and as an attorney, is that  many drivers don’t realize bicycles have the same legal right to the road as cars. Under  Pennsylvania law , cyclists are recognized as vehicles, and motorists must leave at least  four feet of clearance  when passing.

That means when I’m on my bike on my way to work in Dunmore (yes, you can find me riding to work some days and parking right in front of my office at the convenient bike rack I placed in front of Hart Law), or crossing an intersection in Scranton, I’m not just “allowed” to be there — the law says I belong there. Of course, with that right comes responsibility: signaling turns, obeying traffic lights, riding predictably, and making myself visible. It’s a shared responsibility, and when either side forgets it, accidents happen.

For more, see  PennDOT’s Bicycle Safety & Pennsylvania Laws .

If an Accident Happens

I hope none of us ever witness it, but if you see someone hit while walking or riding, the first step is always to  call 911. Don’t move the injured person unless absolutely necessary. Get details — the car’s license plate, the driver’s description, witnesses. Stay with them until help arrives.

And if you’re the one hit, your first job is your health.  Get medical attention. Then, make sure a police report is filed, gather information if you’re able, and document the scene with photos. Most importantly, talk to someone who knows how to navigate the legal and insurance side before giving any statements. I’ve seen too many people injured twice — once on the road, and again by an insurance process that undervalues their claim.

If you’re curious about the reporting process, visit PennDOT’s  Crash Information System.

Tackling the Hills with E-Bikes

Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: “I’d love to ride, but we live in a valley — the hills are brutal.” Believe me, I get it. That’s where  electric bicycles (e-bikes)  come in.

The beauty of an e-bike is that it doesn’t have to be electric all the time. If you want the workout, keep the power off and pedal like normal. But when you hit that incline in Archbald or face a climb out of South Scranton, flip on the motor and let it carry you. It’s the best of both worlds — the exercise and the freedom. More importantly, it gets people outdoors and moving who might otherwise stay home.

Why This Matters to Me

I write about this not only as an attorney but as someone who values our trails, our neighborhoods, and our community’s health. The outdoors is part of Hart Law’s DNA. Just as we show up in the courtroom, we show up on the trail, at the river, and in the places that make Lackawanna County such a special place to live.

When someone is injured while walking or biking, it hits home for me — because I’ve been in those same intersections, on those same roads, on that same trail. And I know how quickly a moment of inattention can change a life.

 

A Call to All of Us

So here’s my ask: if you’re a driver, slow down near trail crossings and give cyclists the space the law requires. If you’re a rider, follow the rules, stay visible, and ride with care. And if you’ve been thinking about giving biking a try, maybe this is your sign — grab a helmet, consider an e-bike, and enjoy the LRHT for yourself.

Our community is healthier and stronger when we share the road safely. Let’s protect one another, whether we’re behind the wheel, on two wheels, or on foot. And if you or someone you know is involved in a crash while out and about on two wheels, remember to Be smart. Call.