5 Dangerous Intersections for Cyclists in Montgomery County and How to Stay Safe

When warm weather arrives in Montgomery County, it can be easy to find cyclists of all types out on the roads. Some bike commute to work, some cycle competitively for exercise, and others may be out for a leisurely bike stroll. Biking is a hobby enjoyed by Pennsylvania residents of all ages, but it is not without risks. Particularly at busy intersections, cyclists must be cautious of distracted drivers and motorists who aren’t used to watching out for bikes. 

Dangerous Intersections for Cyclists

According to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data, bicycle crashes represented 1.1 percent of total reported crashes in 2024 and 1.7 percent of all traffic fatalities. In 2024, 1255 cyclists were injured in crashes, and 19 bicyclists were killed in the state. Significantly, 64 percent of these accidents occurred at intersections, making intersections by far the most dangerous locations for cyclists out on the roads. 

In Montgomery County, there are several key intersections that are particularly dangerous for cyclists, with higher numbers of bicycle accidents and fatalities. It is important to recognize and be aware of these intersections, avoiding them where possible. If they cannot be avoided, cyclists should proceed with extreme caution in order to minimize the risk of injury or even death. 

There are certain key factors that create dangerous intersections, including locations where major high-speed suburban roads meet, significant turning traffic, complicated turning patterns, intersections near highway interchanges, commercial corridors with frequent right-turn traffic, and intersections where bike infrastructure may disappear. All of these circumstances contribute to intersections that can make it difficult for cyclists and drivers to see each other and create turning conflicts that place bikes at risk. Specifically in Montgomery County, five particularly dangerous intersections include:

Main Street & Whitehall Road, Norristown

The busy streets near downtown Norristown create serious risks for cyclists because of the high traffic volume and frequency of turning vehicles entering and exiting commercial spaces. This intersection also experiences a high volume of buses and delivery vehicles that may be less likely to notice cyclists and are particularly dangerous given their size. As a result, this intersection reports frequent accidents according to Pennsylvania Department of Transportation data.

U.S. 202 and Welsh Road

This intersection connects a key regional highway with a local Welsh road, resulting in heavy traffic, high vehicle speeds, and multiple turns, all of which are dangerous for cyclists. Intersections where highways and local roads merge are also statistically more likely to give rise to accidents. 

DeKalb Street and Brown Street, Norristown

This intersection not only handles a high volume of traffic, but it is also notorious for high-speed drivers, with cars frequently exceeding the 25 miles per hour speed limit. Over the years, numerous high-speed accidents have occurred, and residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about dangerous speeding, making it a dangerous intersection for pedestrians and cyclists. 

Ridge Pike and Butler Pike

This intersection in Conshohocken brings together two major regional roads and connects traffic across Philadelphia’s suburbs. Because of the very high volume of traffic, fast-moving vehicles, and limited protected cycling space, cyclists are at increased risk of accidents.

Schuylkill River Trail Intersections near Conshohocken

Although the Schuylkill River Trail provides a safe means of travel for cyclists, there are several trail-road crossings that occur near downtown Conshohocken, where cyclists have repeatedly reported dangerous conditions because drivers fail to yield. Crowded trail conditions, significant commuter traffic, and rushed drivers all contribute to the difficulty of these crossings and require cyclists to be vigilant in watching for oncoming traffic. 

Cyclist Rights at Intersections

Although cyclists are often treated as secondary to drivers on the roads, under Pennsylvania law, cyclists are classified as vehicles and have the same legal rights as any other motorist. Motorists likewise owe cyclists the same duties that they owe to any other vehicle, and where those duties are violated, they may be held responsible for accidents or injuries that occur. For example, Pennsylvania law requires that drivers give cyclists at least four feet of passing room and pass cyclists at a slow and reasonable speed. An experienced Montgomery County bicycle accident lawyer can also help explain cyclists’ rights in Pennsylvania and what they might mean for your bicycle accident case.

Protecting Yourself as a Cyclist at Busy Intersections

Although cyclists cannot control the actions of distracted motorists on busy roads, there are defensive actions that they can take to stay safe when cycling in Montgomery County and reduce their chances of injuries or fatalities. By practicing defensive cycling, cyclists can help ensure that their hobby remains an enjoyable one.

Bicyclists should always use caution when approaching intersections. It is best to assume that other vehicles do not see you and to proceed slowly through an intersection with awareness of other vehicles that are around. If possible, use bike lanes to stay out of the direct line of traffic and make sure to follow all road signals, including stopping at red lights. Be particularly careful of motorists making left and right turns, and assume that you may not be visible to turning vehicles. 

Cyclists should also do their best to make themselves as visible as possible, including wearing bright colors, making eye contact with drivers, using bright lights on both the front and rear of their vehicles, and utilizing hand signals where appropriate. The easier it is to be identified, the less likely you are to end up in an accident. 

Many cyclists also find it helpful to use mirrors in order to see and anticipate drivers who may be coming up behind them. Cameras can be helpful as well, where they record interactions with vehicles. And of course, every cyclist should ensure they are wearing a protective helmet at all times. 

What To Do If You Are Injured in an Accident

There are several key steps that you can take if you are involved in an accident while cycling. First and most importantly, make sure you are safe and do not have any injuries that require immediate medical attention. Your health and safety are of the utmost importance in the aftermath of a bicycle accident. 

You should call 911 to alert the police of the accident and ensure that a police report is created. Drivers will sometimes argue against calling the police, suggesting that minor accidents do not require police involvement. Do not follow this advice, as a police report may be important to any future accident claims. 

Next, collect information from the driver, including their insurance information, license number, and license plate. You should also begin collecting evidence of what occurred, including photographs of your bike, any vehicles that are involved, road signs and markings, your injuries, and any other items that may be relevant. If witnesses saw the bike accident occur, you should also get their names and contact information in case you need a witness statement in the future.

Even if you don’t feel that you have experienced any significant injuries, it is worth a visit to the doctor to make sure that there are no lingering impacts from your accident. The shock of a bicycle accident can sometimes mask initial aches and pains, and some injuries, like a concussion, may not immediately be apparent. Before assuming that you have not been injured, give yourself time to be evaluated and see if additional symptoms or concerns arise. 

Before speaking with the driver’s insurance company, make sure to talk with an experienced Montgomery County bicycle accident lawyer. Insurance adjusters frequently try to reach quick settlements in bicycle accidents before a cyclist is aware of the full extent of their injuries or the value of their claim. And adjusters may also attempt to elicit language from you that negatively impacts your ability to bring a claim. A knowledgeable attorney can help you prepare for any call with an adjuster and avoid any pitfalls with the information that you share.

Advocating For Your Rights After an Accident

When sharing the road with motorists, cyclists do not always get the respect they deserve. Drivers frequently treat bicyclists as an afterthought with little concern for their safety and even anger at the thought of having to share the road. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, it is important to understand that you have the same legal rights as any driver and may be entitled to compensation for the physical and emotional impacts that you experienced. 

Speak with a Montgomery County Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

The Montgomery County bicycle accident lawyer team at Anthony C. Gagliano III, Esquire, P.C., represents cyclists throughout Montgomery County in their bicycle accident claims. They understand how insurance companies may try to limit cyclists’ claims, how to thoroughly investigate bicycle accidents, and the unique dangers that cyclists face. In addition to negotiating your claim with a driver’s insurance company, they will fight aggressively for your cyclist rights in court, advocating for your equal treatment under the law and entitlement to full compensation. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.