Best Bicycle Accident Lawyers Bellingham, WA

Bellingham, WA Bicycle Accident FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Bellingham, Washington?

  To reach the Bellingham local police station for non-emergency situations, please dial 360-676-6911.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Bellingham, Washington?

  To obtain a copy of a police report for an incident that occurred in Bellingham, there are three available options:

  • Complete the Public Records Request Form online.
  • Go to the Sheriff's Office located at 311 Grand Ave. in Bellingham and fill out a form in person.
  • Send an email to sheriffrecords@co.whatcom.wa.us with your request.

• What legal reference establishes the rights and responsibilities of cyclists on the roadways in Bellingham?

  In Bellingham, the legal framework that outlines the duties and entitlements of bicyclists traversing public roads is encompassed by the Revised Code of Washington. The provisions outlined in RCW 46.61.755 maintain that bicyclists navigating roadways are subject to the same duties and rights as drivers of motor vehicles.

• What are the locations in Bellingham that are prone to bicycle accidents?

  In Bellingham, certain intersections have been identified as having a heightened risk for bicycle accidents. These include the intersections of East Champion Street and North Forest Street, Northwest Avenue and Maplewood Avenue, and East Magnolia Street and Cornwall Avenue. Data shows that these intersections have a higher frequency of bicycle accidents than other areas in the city.

• What factors contribute to the higher risk of bicycle accidents in intersections in Bellingham?

  Some of the factors that may contribute to the higher risk of bicycle accidents in intersections in Bellingham include:

  • Cyclists riding in the opposite direction of traffic
  • Drivers' misconduct, such as failure to grant the right of way or opening the door of the car without checking for oncoming traffic
  • Inadequately designed roads.

• In Bellingham, who confiscates abandoned bicycles that pose a risk to other vehicles and pedestrians?

  Bellingham Municipal Code 11.48.180 empowers peace officers to confiscate bicycles that hinder vehicular or pedestrian traffic or are deemed hazardous or abandoned. This measure promotes the safety of all road and sidewalk users and prevents any obstructions. Upon confiscation, the peace officer will take the bicycle into custody and transport it to a secure location.

• What is the requirement for conducting bicycle races on highways in Bellingham?

  According to Bellingham Municipal Code 11.48.180, it is mandatory for individuals or organizations to seek permission from the chief of police or a designated representative before conducting or sponsoring any bicycle race on the city's highways. This regulation aims to guarantee the safety of participants and other road users. To secure approval for a bicycle race, interested parties must submit a request to the police department at least seven days before the scheduled event.