How to Bike Safely in Traffic-Dense Urban Environments

It may not seem common, but some people need a bike accident attorney to handle their case. In Canada, an average of 74 people die each year in cycling accidents. Of these fatalities, 73% involve a collision with a motor vehicle.

Proper knowledge and awareness can prevent or minimize these accidents, especially in traffic-heavy areas. When commuting by bike, you must understand the relevant regulations, laws, and appropriate attire.

Key Takeaways:

• One-third of fatalities are due to running red lights, making unsafe turns, wearing dark clothing, riding without lights, using headphones, and going against traffic.
• Anyone under 18 must wear a helmet, whether riding or as a passenger.
• Cars and taxis are the most frequent reasons for bike accidents.

Bicycle Accident: Statistics, Common Injuries, Trauma

Some people hire a bicycle accident attorney because most common collision cases involve a motor vehicle. This experience can lead to serious injuries, while some bicycle accident victims also suffer from trauma.

“Got hit by a car in 2014. No broken bones but massive infection from an improperly cleaned-out wound by the ER. A week in the hospital on weapons-grade antibiotics, surgery on my leg, and three months off from work. It was 2019 before I could get back on my bike, and I spent the whole winter on Zwift before I ventured out on the road in the spring. Close passes by cars are still frightening. Didn’t take advantage of mental health services, but looking back, I should have. Might have gotten back on the bike sooner…”

Statistics

• Majority of fatalities involve males, particularly those aged 50-64.
• A common factor contributing to fatalities is the failure to wear a helmet.
• One-third of deaths are due to violations. Common infractions include failing to stop at red lights or stop signs, unsafe lane changes or turns, wearing dark clothing, riding without lights after dusk, and using headphones.
• Fatalities are most common during rush hour, particularly between 4:01 pm and 8 pm, accounting for 51% of all deaths.

Injuries

Injuries involve the knees, head, neck, back, wrists, and feet. Common knee injuries arise from overuse, while head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, are due to a lack of helmet use.

Collisions can also result in fractures, dislocations, and sprains, with the arms, legs, and wrists being especially prone to these injuries. In many cases, the victim needs physical therapy and rehabilitation to restore strength and mobility following bicycle accident cases.

How to Safely Navigate a Traffic-Dense Environment

Cycling should feel safe no matter where you are, but riding in areas where cars don’t give you enough space can be frightening. While it would be ideal for all Canadian cities to implement stronger measures to protect vulnerable road users, there is still an inherent level of risk. Although we can’t change how drivers behave, there are steps you can take to be safer and feel more secure.

Stay to the Right

Ride in a straight line on the right side of the road, ideally at least one metre away from the curb, whenever possible.

When overtaken by another vehicle, position yourself as close to the right side of the road as possible. You can take up more of the lane for safety, such as avoiding hazards in your path.

When is it not applicable:

• Preparing to turn left
• Passing another vehicle
• Riding faster
• Lane is too narrow to share safely

One-Metre Passing Law

When passing a cyclist, drivers must make sure there is at least one metre of space between their vehicle and the cyclist, whenever it’s safe and feasible. Cyclists are not required to maintain a one-metre gap but must follow all laws. If a vehicle overtakes you, move to the right to give them enough room to pass safely.

Obey Signals and Traffic Laws

You must follow bicycle-specific signals where available, as well as regular traffic signals in all other cases. If both a bicycle signal and a standard traffic signal apply to the same lane, you must obey the bicycle signal.

• Use the proper hand signals and shoulder checks before turning or changing lanes.
• Limit your speed to a maximum of 20 km/h unless posted otherwise.
• Stick to pathways and established trails to protect natural habitats.
• Riding with a dog on a leash is not allowed on pathways.
• Must have a white front light and a red rear reflector.
• Use an audible signal (like a bell) when passing another user on the pathway.

Always Wear Helmets

Alberta bicycle accident lawyers take personal injury cases frequently due to concussions or head traumas. You can avoid this experience with the use of a helmet.

• Pedal Bicycles: All riders and passengers under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.
• Electric or Power-Assist Bicycles: Helmets must be worn by all riders and passengers, regardless of their age.

Intersection Rules

Intersections are the most common locations for collisions, with the “left cross” and “right hook” being the most frequent types. In a “right hook” collision, a cyclist is hit by a car turning right, while in a “left cross” collision, a motorist turns left across the cyclist’s path. To avoid these accidents:

• Position yourself in the center of the lane. This will reduce the likelihood of cars passing you and turning in front of you and increase your visibility to drivers approaching from the opposite direction and making left turns.
• Avoid riding in crosswalks if you may.
• Be extra cautious when crossing from a pathway on the left side of the road. Even if you have a green light, drivers waiting to turn right on red may not be looking for cross traffic.

Where (Not) to Ride

It’s clear that riding on quiet neighbourhood streets is safer than on busy roads, and on pathways or designated lanes is safer than in traffic. When riding in traffic, maintain a straight line (avoid weaving between parked cars) and stay as far to the right as possible, but keep these guidelines in mind:

• Maintain a safe distance from sewer grates and roadside debris (about 0.5–1 m from the curb).
• Keep at least 1.5–2.0 m away from parked cars to avoid a car door opening.
• If needed, “take the lane” by riding in the middle to prevent cars from passing too closely. If a vehicle cannot pass you safely when you’re riding at a safe distance from the curb, don’t encourage them to do so by hugging the edge.
• Avoid right-turn-only lanes if you’re going straight, and always make left turns from the appropriate lane.

Consequence of Unsafe Bike Practices

Automobiles or taxis are the most common vehicles involved in bike crashes, with cyclists getting hit from behind. In fatal accidents, the front of the car strikes the back of the bike. Crashes are most frequent on public roads and can result from multiple factors, many of which are due to driver behaviour.

Accidents You Might Encounter

• A driver opens their car door.
• A driver makes a left turn.
• A driver cuts off an approaching cyclist when turning right.
• A driver pulls out going through an intersection.
• A driver pulls out of their driveway.

Many Cycling Accidents Occur Because Drivers Don’t Look Out for Cyclists

Although drivers frequently blame cyclists for accidents, the opposite is more commonly the case. According to Statistics Canada, one in three fatalities may have resulted from a failure to follow rules.

If you are in such a situation, an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file a personal injury claim.

What Experienced Bike Accident Lawyers Can Do For You

1. Gathering Evidence: Before contacting the liable party’s insurance company, your lawyers will collect all essential documentation, such as health records, photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and time lost from work.
2. Notifying the Insurance Company: Contact the insurance company to inform them about the situation and to file a claim.
3. Calculating Your Damages: Estimate the total cost of your damages, including both immediate and future expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and a reduced quality of life.
4. Negotiating a Settlement: Discuss matters with the insurance company and the party at fault.

If you can’t reach a fair settlement with the liable party’s insurance company, the next step is to file a lawsuit and prepare for court. Your lawyer will file the lawsuit and initiate the court proceedings. At this point, you become the plaintiff in the case. You will receive compensation if the court rules in your favour or you reach a settlement during the lawsuit.

Implement Safe Bicycling Practices for Road Safety

You have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users to follow cycling laws, wear safety gear, and know the safest routes to ride. Adhering to these practices can reduce your risk of injury and avoid legal complications. Since many collisions occur due to driver negligence, understand your legal rights to seek compensation. Consult with Sidhu Personal Injury Lawyers Calgary for professional guidance on your case.

Frequently Asked Questions