Washington DC has an extensive network of bike lanes, yet hundreds of bicycle accidents occur yearly. What’s so dangerous about the DC bike lane system? Bike lane dangers include large gaps between lanes, lack of maintenance, unequal lane distribution, and negligent drivers.
While DC continues to work on its bike lane system, the network still needs to be completed, and some sections are unsafe for bicyclists. The situation will likely remain dangerous until Washington DC has a protected bike lane network covering the whole city.
Why Are Bike Lanes in DC So Dangerous?
According to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), an average of about 350 bicycle crashes per year have occurred in the District over a recent five-year span. Unfortunately, this suggests the DC bike lane system isn’t safe enough to protect bicyclists from injury. Factors such as the following likely contribute to the risk of riding a bike in DC:
Gaps in Lanes and Unequal Distribution of Lanes
A glance at a DC bike map shows significant gaps between the existing bike lanes. For instance, one bike lane ends abruptly on New Jersey Ave, forcing bicyclists to ride in traffic through Capitol South before reconnecting with the bike lane system at Independence Ave.
These gaps force bicyclists to leave the relative safety of the bike lane and merge with traffic, which is always dangerous. The problem is made worse by the inequitable distribution of bike lanes throughout the city. When wealthier neighborhoods have bike lanes and other neighborhoods do not, it isolates less-wealthy neighborhoods and endangers bicyclists who travel through them.
Lane Maintenance
Poor bike lane maintenance is also an issue. When a bike lane isn’t appropriately maintained, a bicyclist may hit a pothole or section of broken pavement and lose control of their bike.
Negligent Motorists
Negligent drivers add another layer of danger. Accidents and injuries can easily happen when a driver veers into a bike lane, doesn’t give a bicyclist the right of way, or opens a car door without checking for approaching bicyclists.
Are There Certain Sections of DC Bike Lanes That Are More Dangerous?
Some sections of DC bike lanes are certainly riskier than others. Due to questionable design decisions, certain bicycle lanes have sections that are especially vulnerable to nearby vehicles. Some bike lanes put bicyclists in a dangerous position by forcing them to merge into traffic while making a turn.
A few bike lanes with safety issues include:
- 17th St in Dupont Circle, which includes intersections where cargo is unloaded
- K St NW east of Mt Vernon Square, where traffic becomes heavily congested at rush hour
- 5th Street NW near Grant Circle
Another factor is the number of alleys and driveways intersecting with the bike lane. Even protected bike lanes can be dangerous when there are too many spots where cars and bikes need to use the same space. According to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), protected bike lanes with heavy separation, such as tall and continuous barriers, and fewer intersections are safer for bicyclists. If you’ve been in an accident while riding a bicycle in Washington DC, contact our Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer today.
Is It Illegal to Ride Your Bike on the Sidewalk in DC?
Riding on the sidewalk can be safer than riding in traffic on streets where no bike lane is available. Bicycling on the sidewalk is illegal only in the DC Central Business District. Outside of this district, it is legal to ride your bike on the sidewalk in DC, according to the DDOT. When riding on sidewalks, bicyclists must yield to pedestrians.
What Are the Cycle Tracks Bike Lanes?
Cycle tracks, also known as protected bike lanes, are separated from vehicular traffic by flex posts, curbs, or parked cars. The DDOT has built 24 miles of cycle tracks since 2009 and is actively expanding the protected bike lane network. According to the DDOT, the fact that cycle tracks are physically separated from motor vehicle traffic reduces encounters between bicycles and cars, making bicyclists safer.
How Can You Stay Safe Riding Your Bike?
A bicyclist is always vulnerable compared to a driver, so they must take extra steps to ensure their safety. Stay safe while riding your bike by following these tips:
- Always follow the rules of the road.
- Wear a helmet every time you ride your bike.
- Always obey traffic signals.
- Avoid parked cars whenever possible to reduce the risk of being hit by an opening door.
- Pay attention to the conditions of the bike lane you’re using.
- Use reflectors and safety lights.
- Never ride while distracted.
- Keep your bike in good riding condition.
What Should You Do If You Are Injured in a Bicycle Accident in Washington DC?
If you are injured in a bike accident in Washington DC:
- Call 911 to report the collision, request an officer at the scene, and produce an accident report.
- Take photos of your injuries, the damage to your bike, and the crash scene.
- Get medical help immediately, even if you don’t believe your injuries are serious.
- Contact a Washington DC bicycle accident lawyer right away.
You might be tempted to just go home after a bike accident if you don’t think you’re badly injured. However, injuries are sometimes worse than they initially appear, and you’ll need to document your medical care if you file an insurance claim later. Always seek medical attention immediately and contact an attorney if you have any injuries.
Contact a Washington DC Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Riding a bicycle around the streets of Washington DC is a fun and healthy way to explore the city. By wearing a helmet and following the rules of the road, you can greatly reduce your risk of getting injured. Still, accidents do happen. What can you do if you’ve been hurt by a negligent driver or in a crash caused by poor bike lane maintenance?
If you’ve been injured while riding a bike in Washington DC, call a bicycle accident lawyer at Marks & Harrison immediately. We’ve served Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia since 1911. Our team has helped personal injury victims obtain maximum compensation in some of the biggest cases of the past 100 years, and we don’t charge any fees unless we win your case and recover compensation for your injuries. Clients call their experience with us “peaceful and worry free,” saying we treat their claim like it was our “own individual case.”
If you’re looking for a law firm with extensive resources and a track record of success, contact Marks & Harrison today for a free consultation.
