How Should Cyclists Pass Cars at Intersections in Boca Raton?

According to the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO), thousands of cyclists are struck by left-turning vehicles each year. Many lose their lives due to these accidents. Cyclists also frequently collide with vehicles turning right at intersections. One thing is clear: Intersections are common locations for bicycle crashes in Boca Raton. As a cyclist, how should you pass vehicles when approaching intersections? Are these crashes always your fault?

Most Left-Turn Collisions Are Not Your Fault 

If you’re trying to pass a vehicle turning left at an intersection, try to remain on the car’s right side. If you attempt to pass on the left, the vehicle may move across your path. This may lead to a collision. If you pass the vehicle on the right side, it should move left while you continue straight. The only way a collision might occur is if the driver suddenly changes their mind, aborts the left turn, and continues forward.

Many roads in Boca Raton have designated bike lanes. Unfortunately, these lanes usually fail to protect you from left-turning vehicles. Drivers turning left may be completely unable to see cyclists traveling within these lanes. As they simultaneously scan for other vehicles and pedestrians, it can be very difficult to spot fast-moving cyclists. This is a critical design flaw of most bike lanes across the country. If you were struck by a left-turning vehicle while traveling in your designated bike lane, you did absolutely nothing wrong.

Right-Turning Vehicles Must Scan for Cyclists 

If you’re approaching a right-turning vehicle at an intersection, you should attempt to pass on their left side. If you attempt to pass on their right side (as you would with a left-turning vehicle), the driver may move into your path, cut you off, and cause a collision.

This represents another design flaw of most bike lanes. You might assume that as long as you stay within your designated lane, you’re safe. But this just isn’t true. In order to turn right at intersections, motorists must move across your bike lane. Traffic rules state that they must scan their mirrors and shoulder check their blind spots for cyclists before turning right – but they often fail to take these steps.

Some traffic authorities today suggest that right-turning vehicles should move all the way across bike lanes before completing the turn. By getting as close to the curb as possible, drivers effectively leave cyclists no other option but to pass on the left. Although this awkward maneuver could theoretically help reduce collisions, it still involves moving into bike lanes – potentially cutting riders off.

Pursue Compensation with an Experienced Bicycle Injury Lawyer in Boca Raton 

You may have many questions after an intersection bicycle crash in Boca Raton. A bike injury lawyer can help you determine who caused the accident. They can also help you pursue the compensation you need for medical expenses, missed wages, and emotional distress. Reach out to the Boca Raton bicycle accident lawyers Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to learn more about your legal options.

Source: 

nacto.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/left-turn-pedestrian-and-bicycle-crash-study-1.pdf