The resources below are intended to guide you on what to do as a bicyclist or pedestrian after being involved in a crash. We encourage you to also seek professional legal advice if you are involved or witness a crash.
These resources have been gathered from experts in both our local communities and nation-wide. If you need help navigating these resources, or would like to share another resource with our community, reach out to us at [email protected].
Resources for crash victims and their families
Post-crash resource guide from Families for Safe Streets
Remember, you are not alone in this time of extreme stress and grief. Families for Safe Streets has created the guide linked above to help you navigate the legal process and more: working with the police, attorneys & the court system, emotional & physical support, insurance and logistics, what to do in the event of a death, and further resources.
The White Line Foundation provides an in-depth guide on what families and communities should be doing in the immediate aftermath of a crash, from the first 72 hours to the long-term pathways moving forward. This guide covers grief - finding support, and ways you (as a friend or community member) can support families of crash victims - as well as the often confusing legal processes, and a toolkit to prepare for media attention.
This pocket-sized print-out can be tucked into your wallet as a quick reference for what to do immediately post-crash. It is important to gather as much information as possible at this time, especially as a vulnerable road user.
Find your local Community Justice center
Help is available through the Vermont Community Justice Network to help navigate the legal system, understanding the process, and options for restorative and alternative justice.
Get support through Families for Safe Streets
No one should endure the physical, emotional, and spiritual trauma of traffic violence alone. Free resources and support are available through Families for Safe Streets for those affected.
These are some legal resources that you can read with information that may provide extra help. (Not affiliated with Local Motion)
- Vermont Cyclist Rights and Responsibilities
- Vermont Bicycle Laws | Expertise.com
- What To Do After A Bike Accident in Vermont | Champlain Valley Law
- Bicycle Crashes: What Should I do? - Burlington, VT Lawyer
- Bicycle Laws in Vermont: Know Your Rights After a Crash | Brandon J Broderick
What can you do as a community member?
Find Your Local Walk/Bike Group Talk to Vermonters for People Oriented Places
Connect with your local walking/biking community who can help in this difficult time. You are not alone. Become a part of these groups and be a part of the conversation making Vermont's streets safer for all road users.
Media Resources for Accurate Crash Reporting
The way that crashes involving pedestrians and bike riders are reported in the media shape how the public understands traffic violence, particularly who’s at risk and who’s responsible.
Understand the laws as written, and help to advocate for changes that increase the safety for all road users.
Remembering those lost, injured, and affected by road traffic violence
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in the U.S. is an event that takes place each year on the 3rd Sunday of November. Communities across the U.S. gather in rallies, marches, memorials, vigils, critical mass bike rides, and more, to remember the estimated 38,000 people killed each year on U.S. roads and the millions more who are severely injured. Resources are available for organizers, supporters, and media, as well as a map showing events happening across the country.
The Ride of Silence is a bike ride that takes place each year on the 3rd Wednesday of May. Cyclists worldwide come together with their communities for a silent, slow-paced group ride in honor of those who were killed or injured in road crashes. Resources are available for organizers, including pictures and videos for event inspiration.