Intersection Bicycle Accidents: Where Most Crashes Happen

Over 50% of bicycle accidents occur at intersections. Understanding why these locations are so dangerous can help you stay safe and establish liability if you're injured.

Why Intersections Are Dangerous

- Multiple traffic movements crossing paths

• Drivers focused on other vehicles, not cyclists

• Limited sight lines

• Confusion about right of way

• Red light runners and stop sign rollers

Most Dangerous Intersection Types

#

1. Multi-Lane Intersections More lanes mean more potential conflicts and longer crossing distances.

#

2. Intersections Without Bike Infrastructure When there's no bike lane or box, cyclists must navigate with cars.

#

3. Right Turn on Red Locations Drivers checking left for gaps may not see cyclists from the right.

#

4. Freeway On-Ramps High-speed merging traffic rarely yields to cyclists.

Common Intersection Crash Types

Left Cross A vehicle turning left fails to yield to an oncoming cyclist going straight.

Right Hook A vehicle turning right cuts across a cyclist's path.

Red Light Violation A driver or cyclist runs the red light.

Failure to Yield Driver enters intersection without yielding to cyclist with right of way.

Liability at Intersections

Generally, the party violating traffic laws is liable:

• Running red lights or stop signs

• Failing to yield to through traffic

• Making improper turns

• Speeding through intersections

Safe Intersection Navigation

1. Make eye contact with drivers 2. Take the lane to prevent right hooks 3. Don't pass on the right at intersections 4. Assume you're invisible and ride defensively 5. Use lights even during the day