How Inadequate Road Infrastructure Contributes to Bicycle Crashes

 A lot of streets in the U.S. aren’t designed with bicycles in mind. Cracks, potholes, and missing signs put riders at risk every day. Bicycles don’t have shock absorbers or protective frames like cars do. This means that even small road defects are dangerous for people on two wheels.

If you get injured because of bad road conditions, you should consult a bicycle accident attorney. Many crashes aren’t the riders’ fault; they happen because of infrastructure that hasn’t been maintained or isn’t safe. A lawyer can help you figure out who is responsible: the city or the property owner.

This article takes a look at how inadequate road infrastructure contributes to bicycle crashes.

Common Infrastructure Issues That Lead to Crashes

Poor road design and maintenance make it more likely for cyclists to get into accidents. The following risks are especially dangerous:

• Potholes: Even small ones can make it hard for a bicycle to stay balanced.
• Uneven pavement: Sudden shifts in surface height can cause cyclists to fall.
• Loose gravel and debris: These surfaces make it hard for tires to have a firm grip, which causes them to skid.
• Inadequate signage: Drivers and cyclists can get confused when signs are missing or unclear.
• Poor drainage: Standing water can hide road defects and cause hydroplaning.

When cyclists run into these problems, they have to make quick decisions within seconds. If they swerve to avoid a pothole, they might find themselves in the middle of car traffic. If they turn and hit loose gravel, they could seriously hurt themselves.

Bike Lanes Are Often Not Enough

Even cities with bike lanes may not really be as safe as many might imagine. A lot of bike lanes are too narrow or end too quickly. Cyclists sometimes have to ride next to cars that are going very fast in some cases. This makes it more likely that the rider will get sideswiped or forced off the road.

Another problem is intersections that aren’t designed properly. If the markings aren’t clear, drivers may not expect to see bicycles in certain lanes. Cyclists are often hit by cars turning corners or joining lanes.

Bike tracks that are separated from lanes are safer than painted lanes. Studies show that crashes happen less often on bike paths that are physically separated. However, these aren’t common in most cities.

Visibility and Lighting Problems

Cyclists are in danger when the roads aren’t lit up well, especially at night. Many streets lack enough streetlights or reflective road paint. This makes it harder for drivers to see bicycles and cyclists to see cars.

Bicyclists might not see a crack or obstacle in time when there isn’t much light. As a result, they might crash into something unseen. Also, drivers are less likely to see bicycles crossing the road.

Overgrown trees and parked cars also make it hard to see. These things get in the way of your vision, making it hard to act quickly. This is very dangerous, especially at intersections.

How Infrastructure Decisions Impact Safety

City planners often prioritize cars ahead of bikes. Speed, not safety, is what most roads are designed for. A lot of cities don’t give cycling much thought. This leads to shortcuts in design and maintenance.