Common Types Of Bike Crashes

The left cross is when a car that is coming toward you makes a sudden left turn either into you, or in front of you. The best way to avoid this type of crash is to ride farther to the left as you are approaching an intersection, as a driver will normally be focused on the oncoming traffic lane.

As you approach, keep pedaling. If you coast, they will think that you are yielding to them. However, still be prepared to stop in case they make the sudden left. A Left-cross in the Blind Spot is another common type of bicycle crash in New York. This occurs when the cyclist is riding to the right and behind a car going straight, and a left-turning motorist sees a gap behind that car and quickly turns behind the car, but into the path of a cyclist.

Crashes Involving the Right Hook

There are several ways in which a New York cyclist may experience a right hook crash. One way is when a cyclist passes a slow-moving car on the right and the car suddenly turns right into cyclist. To avoid this type of crash, do not pass slower-moving or stopped traffic on the right. You cannot rely on motorists to use their turn signals or to look before turning into a bike lane. Merge into the traffic lane if you are moving the same speed as traffic, and try to do so before you reach the intersection.

N.Y.S. VTL 1122-a. Overtaking a Bicycle

The operator of a vehicle overtaking, from behind, a bicycle proceeding on the same side of a roadway shall pass to the left of such bicycle at a safe distance until safely clear thereof.

Tips to Avoid These Types of Crashes

To avoid these types of crashes, New York cyclists must always control their bikes and properly start, stop, and turn. Being confident and in control is the best way to avoid a bike crash. Follow traffic laws, obey signs and signals, and use headlights and taillights at night. Always use the correct lanes for turns. Knowing when to use the full lane or to share a lane is something that few cyclists fully understand. Your position in a lane is the best way to make yourself conspicuous, alert drivers to what you are doing, and to discourage them from making unsafe movements.

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