Connecticut has been promoting walkable, bike-friendly communities through policies such as “complete streets,” downtown revitalization and transit-oriented development. These initiatives are intended to reduce dependence on cars, encourage healthier lifestyles and yield environmental benefits. As such amenities come online, more residents are drawn to walking and cycling. 

However, as walking and bicycling increases, so does exposure to dangers. Although Connecticut saw a significant drop in total traffic fatalities in 2025, pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities actually increased.

Some communities still lack protected bike lanes, reliable crossings and effective traffic calming. Mixed-use corridors may experience spikes in foot and bike traffic before planned upgrades materialize. Compounding this problem, many drivers may not anticipate pedestrians or cyclists in areas newly designed for walkability, leading to delayed adaptations and lapses in caution. 

Walkers and bicyclists also face risk factors such as speeding, which remains a leading contributor to serious injuries and fatalities among pedestrians and bicyclists. This is especially so in urban settings, where dense pedestrian activity and complex traffic patterns make biking and walking dangerous. 

When accidents occur, pedestrians and bicyclists may find pursuing an injury claim is often complicated. These cases are rarely clear-cut, involving conflicting accounts and sparse physical evidence. There may be no dashcam or vehicle “black box” data, few witnesses and minimal physical proof. Expert witnesses may be needed to recreate how an accident occurred.

Liability in a lawsuit may center on whether a driver failed to yield, whether a pedestrian was outside a crosswalk or whether a bicyclist was obeying traffic rules. Drivers’ insurers may argue comparative negligence of victims to lessen payouts. Injured pedestrians and cyclists often need to seek compensation through their own auto or health insurance. Infrastructure shortcomings can bring municipalities, construction contractors or property owners into legal proceedings. Overlapping policies and potential subrogation issues add further layers of complexity. 

Lastly, the lack of physical protection for pedestrians and bicyclists means injuries tend to be severe, resulting in higher medical expenses and more extensive and non-economic damages.

Connecticut’s initiatives for increased use of non-motorized transportation hold promise for public health, but the risk of injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists shows no signs of abating. If you or a relative has been hurt in such an incident, seek out a qualified pedestrian and bicycle accident attorney who can take actions to protect the victim’s rights and to obtain fair compensation from the parties responsible.

Gesmonde, Pietrosimone & Sgrignari, L.L.C. in East Haven and Hamden represents bicyclists and pedestrians injured in accidents throughout Connecticut. To set up a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer, please call 203-745-0942 or contact us online.