Pedestrian & Bicyclist Injuries in Northeastern Pennsylvania

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Man on mountain bike, wearing helmet and backpack, looking at a scenic view, on a mountain.

Protecting Your Rights on the Road and the Trail

At Hart Law, we don't just care about legal advocacy - we love spending time outdoors. Attorney John Hart often hops on his bike to enjoy the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail (LRHT) a scenic, multi-mile corridor through Scranton, Archbald, Mayfield, Carbondale, Throop, Taylor, Olyphant, Dickson City, Forest City and beyond. While it's a treasured asset to our community, it also highlights a reality: bicyclists and pedestrians often must share the road with cars, cross busy intersections, and navigate stretches of roadway where the trail is not continuous, such as in the Plot section of Scranton and crossings in South Scranton along Olive, Vine, and Elm Streets.

Unfortunately, these intersections of foot, bike, and vehicle traffic can lead to devastating crashes.

Your Rights as a Pedestrian or Bicyclist

Many people don't realize that under Pennsylvania law, bicycles are considered vehicles and have the same right to use the road as cars. Motorists are required to give cyclists at least four feet of clearance when passing. Pedestrians crossing at intersections and marked crosswalks also have legal protections.

For a plain-English summary, see PennDOT's Bicycle Safety & Pennsylvania Laws



When drivers fail to yield, drive distracted, speed, or ignore the presence of walkers and riders, serious injuries can occur. That's where we step in.

Common Pedestrian & Bicyclist Crash Scenarios

  • Crosswalk collisions in downtown Scranton and other busy intersections
  • Trail-to-road transitions along the LRHT (Archbald, Carbondale, Scranton)
  • "Right hook" crashes where a car turns in front of a bicyclist
  • Failing to give clearance when passing
  • Distracted driving and failure to yield at trail crossings

What To Do If You Witness or Experience a Crash

If you witness a pedestrian or bicyclist struck by a car:

  1. Call 911 immediately. (emergency contacts in PA).
  2. Do not move the victim unless absolutely necessary.
  3. Gather information: vehicle description, license plate, witnesses.
  4. Stay with the victim until help arrives.



If you are a bicyclist or pedestrian hit by a car:

  1. Seek medical attention immediately-even if injuries seem minor.
  2. Call the police and ensure a crash report is filed. (PA Crash Reporting System).
  3. Collect driver and witness information.
  4. Document the scene: photos of your bike, injuries, roadway, and conditions.
  5. Contact an experienced attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Our Commitment

Hart Law blends a love for the outdoors with a passion for protecting community members. Just as we enjoy biking the LRHT and kayaking the Lackawanna River, we are committed to defending those who suffer injuries while walking or riding in our community.



We understand the unique risks cyclists and pedestrians face and are ready to hold negligent drivers accountable. From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court, we stand by your side every step of the way.

Considering Getting Into Cycling?

If you've thought about riding but are hesitant because of our region's hills-a natural challenge in the valley-we recommend considering an electric bicycle (e-bike).


  • Power on, power off: use the motor only when you want it.
  • Workout option: ride with the motor off to exercise.
  • Assist on hills: switch it on for that steep climb.



It's the best of both worlds-making it easier to get outdoors, stay active, and enjoy everything Northeastern Pennsylvania has to offer.

Contact Hart Law

If you or a loved one has been injured while walking or biking in Lackawanna County, call Hart Law today at (570) 344-2626 or visit www.thehartofscranton.com to schedule a consultation.

At Hart Law, we combine local knowledge, legal skill, and community passion to help you recover.