Bicyclists: Be Wary of These Dangers on Nashville’s Roadways

Many cities, Nashville included, have made strides to become more bicyclist-friendly in recent years. The upsides of more people riding bicycles are obvious: less pollution, less need for parking spaces, and less traffic overall. However, the combination of bicyclists and cars, trucks, and SUVs all sharing the same roads can mean a greater risk of serious accidents—often at the expense of people traveling on two wheels.

Whether you bike daily or occasionally, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and hazards you face while pedaling. They include:

• Inattentive motorists—By far the biggest risk facing bicyclists is drivers who don’t see them. Make sure your bike has reflectors equipped, that you wear brightly colored clothing, and that you ride cautiously, especially at intersections and on narrow streets.
• Opening car doors—Many streets in residential areas and in the downtown area have street parking. When riding near parked cars, bicyclists run the risk of being injured by opening car doors. To reduce your risk, ride slower and further from vehicles if space allows.
• Road debris and other hazards—Only 7% of bicycle accidents involve colliding with other vehicles. The rest involve bicyclists falling from their bikes or striking objects and hazards in their paths. Be on the lookout for hazards such as potholes, oil slicks, puddles, and fallen tree limbs while riding to stay safe.

At Ponce Law, it’s our goal to uphold the rights of anyone hurt on Nashville’s streets, and that includes bicyclists. Get in touch with our Nashville bicycle accident lawyers today if you were injured while riding—we want to help you get compensation for your medical bills and lost wages.