Do I have to help the cyclist who crashed into me?

• Author: Cohen, Randy
• Position: THE ETHICIST: Life's full of questions; he's got answers. - Brief article

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As I turned a corner, I was struck by a bicyclist riding at high speed on the sidewalk. I wound up sprawled on my back, and the cyclist, also downed, was writhing in pain. Amazingly, I was unhurt, but because of my shock and anger, I got up indignantly and walked away. Later, I questioned my behavior. What if the cyclist had really been hurt? Did his wrongful action warrant mine? Name Withheld, Los Angeles

WHEN A QUESTION includes the phrase "writhing in pain," it may well imply an ethical duty or at least call for ordinary compassion. And that's the case here.

Even if the cyclist acted thoughtlessly or broke the law, that doesn't place him beyond moral consideration. First respond to his writhing-in-pain, then sort out who's to blame. In your defense, though, the shock from being knocked to the ground might have prevented you from clearly thinking this through, so don't reproach yourself too sternly.

We shouldn't confuse local traffic regulations with moral precepts. It is legal in many cities to ride a...