Since Burien experiences its fair share of rainy winters and occasional freezes, pothole formation is a constant problem. Many of Burien’s roads, particularly in residential neighborhoods, are not repaired as often as major thoroughfares, meaning that these potholes continue to grow and pose a threat to cyclists.
With more people driving heavier SUVs, the stress on the roads is even greater, worsening the problem. Considering how the causative factor for bicycle accidents is so broad, it would take the expertise of a seasoned bicycle accident attorney in Burien to help victims hold the right party liable for their injuries and damages.
Here are some of the other hazardous elements a bicyclist has to deal with:
Parked Cars and the Risk of “Dooring”
Dooring happens when a car door swings open right in front of you. That’s dooring, and it happens faster than you can react. Drivers and passengers rarely think about cyclists when they step out of their cars, which makes this one of the most unpredictable dangers on the road.
A door can pop open in an instant, and if you’re too close, there’s nowhere to go. Swerving into traffic isn’t an option, and slamming your brakes might send you flying over the handlebars.
Cyclists have to develop a kind of sixth sense for this, always scanning parked cars for signs of movement, like brake lights turning off, people inside shifting around, or mirrors adjusting.
But at the end of the day, the risk of dooring is always there, and it’s one of the biggest reasons cyclists try to stay out of the door zone whenever possible.
Pedestrians and Unexpected Obstacles
Pedestrians don’t always follow the rules of the road. One second, they’re walking on the sidewalk; the next, they’re right in front of your bike. A lot of people don’t check for cyclists before stepping onto the street, and distractions like phones make it even worse.
Parents with strollers, kids playing, and dog walkers with long leashes all add to the chaos. Unlike cars, bikes don’t make much noise, so people don’t always notice when one is coming. And if someone steps in front of you at the last second, there’s little time to react.
Cyclists have to constantly be on the lookout, especially in busy areas like downtown streets, school zones, and shopping centers. Even when pedestrians are paying attention, they can be unpredictable still.
Railroad Tracks and Grooved Pavement
Tracks are dangerous because they run parallel to the road, and if you don’t cross them at the right angle, your wheels can slip in like they were made to fit. Wet tracks are even worse because they turn into slick metal rails that your tires just slide right off.
Grooved pavement is those rough, bumpy sections near construction zones or bridges. It might not seem like a big deal in a car, but on a bike, it can feel like your handlebars are fighting against you. Your wheels can get caught in the grooves, making steering unpredictable.
Aggressive and Distracted Drivers
Not every driver on the road respects cyclists. Some think bikes don’t belong there at all, and they’ll cut too close, speed past without giving enough space, or honk aggressively to intimidate riders.
Then you have distracted drivers, the ones texting, eating, or messing with their GPS instead of watching the road. These are the people who drift into bike lanes, run red lights, or turn without looking. For cyclists, this is one of the biggest dangers because cars have the power to do serious damage.
You could be following every rule, riding in the right lane, and still get sideswiped by someone who simply wasn’t paying attention. Unlike potholes or gravel, this isn’t a hazard you can always spot ahead of time, it’s unpredictable, and it depends entirely on the drivers around you.
That’s why cyclists are always on edge, constantly watching for signs that a driver isn’t paying attention or being reckless so they can avoid them.
