A car accident in Dallas that snared a bicyclist is drawing harsh criticism from the cycling community, which says the city does not do enough to ensure their safety on the roads.

The 32-year-old cyclist from Oak Cliff was riding along the side of Jefferson Road on a viaduct. A car slammed into him, throwing him up on the windshield, causing him serious injury.

He was brought to a hospital to be treated for a broken neck. His family confirmed that he is speaking and doctors predict that, with the right therapy, he will make a full recovery. But his family also admits that he is lucky to be alive, and cyclists who suffer a similar fate might not survive.

The accident was sadly not a huge surprise to proponents of cycling in the area. They have been calling for safer accommodations for a while now, specifically on the road and bridge where the accident took place. The bridge is a key one, linking Oak Cliff with the downtown area. But without bike lanes it can be a dangerous stretch of road for bicyclists, who are forced to mingle with traffic.

The bridge, and many roads surrounding it, were slated to have new bike lanes installed. However, Dallas has since run out of money and cannot afford to paint bicycle lanes on the 840 miles of pavement that it aimed to. The Dallas City Council said the recent accident was a tragedy and, unless bike lanes are added, is likely not the last.

City leaders said that if the bike lanes are to be put in, it will probably have to be funded through donations.

Source: WFAA, "Accident raises urgency for bike lanes in Dallas," Jonathan Betz, Jan. 15, 2012