704-377-3737
Riding a bicycle through Charlotte can be an enjoyable way to commute, exercise, or get around the city. But sharing the road with cars, trucks, and other vehicles also leaves bicyclists particularly vulnerable when something goes wrong.
In 2024, 40 pedal-cyclists were killed in traffic crashes across North Carolina, according to the North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles. While bicyclists cannot control every driver’s actions, they can take steps to reduce the risk of a serious collision.
Make Yourself Easier for Drivers to See
Visibility matters whether you are riding during the day or after dark. Drivers may miss a bicyclist when turning, changing lanes, or entering a roadway.
Bicyclists can improve visibility by wearing bright or reflective clothing, using appropriate bicycle lights and reflectors, and avoiding lingering in areas where drivers may have difficulty seeing them.
Visibility is especially important around intersections, driveways, and parking lot entrances where vehicles may cross a bicyclist’s path.
Ride Predictably Around Traffic
Sudden movements can make it harder for drivers to anticipate what a bicyclist will do.
When possible, bicyclists should maintain a predictable path, signal before turning, and obey traffic signs and signals. Before changing position on the roadway, look carefully for approaching vehicles rather than assuming a driver has seen you.
Use extra caution when passing parked vehicles. A driver or passenger who opens a vehicle door without checking for an approaching bicycle can cause a serious crash.
Pay Close Attention at Intersections
Intersections create multiple opportunities for a bicycle and motor vehicle to cross paths. A driver may turn across a bicyclist’s route, fail to yield, or enter the intersection without noticing the rider.
Even when you have the right of way, watch surrounding vehicles and be prepared for a driver who does not see you.
Avoid distractions as well. Staying alert to traffic, pedestrians, road conditions, and changing signals can give you more time to respond to a developing hazard.
Wear a Properly Fitted Helmet
A helmet cannot prevent a vehicle from striking a bicycle, but it can provide important protection if a crash occurs.
Make sure your helmet fits properly and is securely fastened every time you ride. A helmet that is damaged or has been involved in a significant impact may also need to be replaced.
Safe Riding Cannot Prevent Every Charlotte Bicycle Accident
Bicyclists can follow traffic laws, stay visible, and ride defensively and still be injured because of someone else’s actions. A distracted driver, unsafe turn, failure to yield, or other negligent behavior can leave a cyclist with serious injuries.
When that happens, determining exactly how the collision occurred matters, especially because North Carolina’s contributory negligence law can make fault disputes especially consequential.
If you were injured while riding a bicycle in Charlotte, Dewey, Ramsay & Hunt, P.A. can help you understand your legal options. Call 704-377-3737 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our attorneys provide individualized representation, and you owe no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you.
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Because every case is different, the description of awards and cases previously managed by our law firm does not guarantee a similar outcome in current or future cases.
