What Are the Five Most Dangerous Circumstances for Bicyclists
Bicycling offers freedom, exercise, and a sense of independence, but it also comes with real risks. When you ride, you’re sharing the road with vehicles that are faster, heavier, and far less forgiving. A single moment of driver inattention or a poorly maintained roadway can change your life in seconds.
At Schefman & Associates, PC, we work with injured cyclists across Michigan, including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties. As bicycle accident attorneys, we believe knowledge is power, and knowing the most dangerous circumstances for bicyclists can help you stay alert and prepared. Reach out to us if you want to talk through your concerns.
1. Intersections And Turning Vehicles
Intersections are one of the most hazardous places for bicyclists. Drivers are often focused on traffic signals, pedestrians, or other cars, and cyclists can be overlooked, especially when a vehicle is turning. Common intersection dangers include:
Left-hand turns across traffic: Drivers may misjudge a cyclist’s speed or fail to see them while turning.
Right turns across bike lanes: Sometimes called a “right hook,” this happens when a driver turns right directly into a cyclist’s path.
Rolling stops at stop signs: Drivers who don’t come to a full stop may miss a rider entering the intersection.
When we help clients injured in these situations, we often see that visibility and impatience play major roles. As a rider, slowing down at intersections and watching wheel movement from nearby cars can give you extra reaction time. Still, even careful riders can be struck, which is why speaking with a bicycle accident attorney after an intersection crash can be important.
2. Distracted Or Aggressive Driving
Distracted driving continues to be a leading cause of bicycle collisions. Drivers who check their phones, adjust navigation systems, or reach for items inside the vehicle may drift into bike lanes or fail to notice a cyclist entirely.
Aggressive driving presents similar dangers, with behaviors such as speeding, tailgating, or passing too closely, leaving very little room for error. These actions place bicyclists at serious risk because riders have no physical protection against a sudden impact.
Warning signs of distracted or aggressive driving often include vehicles drifting or swerving without signaling, abrupt braking or acceleration that suggests a lack of focus, and hostile behavior such as honking, yelling, or crowding a cyclist’s space. When a cyclist is struck by a distracted or aggressive driver, the aftermath can quickly become overwhelming.
We help clients collect evidence, review police reports, and seek accountability, so they don’t have to manage the consequences of a serious crash on their own. Contact our experienced bicycle accident attorneys today for help.
3. Poor Road Conditions And Inadequate Infrastructure
Bicyclists are far more affected by road conditions than motorists. Potholes, cracked pavement, loose gravel, and debris that might be minor annoyances for cars can cause a cyclist to lose control instantly.
Inadequate infrastructure also plays a role. Missing bike lanes, faded lane markings, and poorly designed roadways force cyclists closer to vehicle traffic, increasing the chance of a collision. Common road-related hazards include:
Potholes and uneven pavement: These can cause sudden falls or force riders into traffic, especially at higher speeds or during low-visibility conditions.
Construction zones: Narrowed lanes and unclear signage add confusion, increasing the chance that cyclists and drivers misjudge space and movement.
Drain grates and utility covers: Improper placement can trap a wheel, causing loss of balance and potentially severe injuries in busy areas.
When crashes involve roadway issues, determining responsibility can be challenging. We assist clients in reviewing maintenance records and identifying whether a municipality or contractor played a part. Bicycle accident attorneys can help assess these factors and explain what steps may be available to you.
4. Low Visibility And Poor Lighting Conditions
Many serious bicycle crashes happen during early morning, evening, or nighttime hours. Reduced visibility makes it harder for drivers to spot cyclists, especially if lighting or reflective gear is lacking.
The weather can make visibility even worse. Rain, fog, or snow reduces reaction time and makes braking more difficult for vehicles. Glare from headlights or wet pavement can also hide cyclists from view. Situations that increase visibility risks include:
Riding at dusk or dawn: Light levels change quickly, confusing drivers and reducing contrast, which makes it harder to spot cyclists approaching intersections or road edges.
Unlit roads: Rural or suburban areas may lack adequate streetlights, limiting driver visibility and increasing the risk of delayed reactions to cyclists.
Dark clothing without reflectors: Cyclists can blend into the background, especially at night or in poor weather, making them nearly invisible to approaching vehicles.
Even when riders take precautions, drivers still have a duty to watch for cyclists. If poor visibility contributed to your injuries, we can help evaluate how lighting, weather, and driver behavior factored into the crash.
5. Dooring And Parked Vehicle Hazards
“Dooring” accidents happen when someone in a parked vehicle opens a car door directly into a cyclist’s path. These incidents are especially dangerous because they occur without warning, giving riders very little time to react. In many cases, a cyclist either collides with the door or swerves suddenly to avoid it, which can lead to a secondary crash with moving traffic.
Parked vehicles create additional risks beyond dooring, including drivers pulling out unexpectedly or passengers stepping into bike lanes without looking. Areas with street parking near bike lanes, frequent rideshare drop-offs, and delivery vehicles making repeated stops increase the likelihood of these crashes.
In these cases, responsibility often rests with the person who opened the door, and injured cyclists may have grounds to pursue a claim. Bicycle accident attorneys can help explain how liability applies in these situations and identify the documentation that may support your case, particularly when injuries interfere with your ability to work or manage daily responsibilities.
Contact Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys Today
Bicycling shouldn’t come with constant fear, but the reality is that certain circumstances significantly increase the risk of serious injury. Intersections, distracted drivers, unsafe roads, low visibility, and parked vehicle hazards continue to cause devastating crashes.
If you’ve been injured while riding, you don’t have to sort through the legal process on your own. At Schefman & Associates, PC, we assist clients in Michigan and throughout Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, and Washtenaw counties by explaining their options and standing up for their interests. If you have questions or need guidance from bicycle accident attorneys who understand what you’re facing, reach out to us today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
