A Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney Discusses Philadelphia’s Most Dangerous Intersections For Cyclists And What You Need To Know

Traffic and Philadelphia. Name a more iconic duo. Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. is willing to bet that you won’t be able to. The reality is that Philadelphia is known around the state of Pennsylvania for having its fair share of roadway accidents each year. Inevitably, some of those accidents involve bicycles in addition to motor vehicles. Any cyclists who frequent the streets and roads of Philadelphia need to pay close attention to our blog post today. 

Today, the team of experienced legal professionals with Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C., is discussing Philadelphia’s most dangerous intersections for cyclists. We name the intersections that have an earned reputation for being hazards to those of you who frequently travel by two wheels rather than four. Additionally, our team shares specific information about what you need to know as you travel throughout our city by bicycle. What can you do to prevent an accident? What steps can you take after an accident has already occurred? Stay tuned to find out more.

Which Philadelphia Intersections Pose The Most Significant Threat To The Safety Of Philadelphia Cyclists?

Grant Avenue And Southwest 49th Street 

Southwest Philadelphia is a densely populated and heavily traveled part of the city. With businesses, neighborhoods, and commuters all taking up space on city streets, it’s no wonder that accidents frequently occur in and around this intersection. Distracted drivers and hurrying pedestrians, combined with vehicles moving in all directions, create a perfect storm of danger for area cyclists. Be mindful of who has the right of way and always keep your head on a swivel when travelling in a high-population area such as this. 

Market Street And 30th Street Station

Marking one of the most highly trafficked public transit interchanges in Philadelphia, Market Street and 30th Street Station are notoriously congested on any given day of the week. Unfortunately, as pedestrians hurry from one mode of transportation to another, such as from car to bus or from bus to train, the likelihood of an accident occurring increases dramatically. Confusion abounds as people unfamiliar with the area attempt to reach connecting trains. Pedestrian safety has been a priority for the city in this area, but steps taken thus far have not decreased the danger of traveling this area by bicycle. 

Roosevelt Boulevard And Grant Avenue 

That this intersection is third on our list today should not be an indicator that it is any safer than the first two intersections listed in this blog post. There are certainly arguments to be made that Roosevelt Boulevard and Grant Avenue are the most dangerous intersection in all of Philadelphia. Large trucks, heavy industry, and cyclists can create a hazardous combination on the road. 

What Makes Philadelphia Roadways So Dangerous for Cyclists?

As with most major metropolitan areas in the United States, travelling by bicycle in Philadelphia is a challenge. Most, if not all of you cyclists reading this blog post, can recount at least one occasion where you nearly suffered a significant injury as a result of travelling by bicycle. Many city streets in Philadelphia, especially in the city’s inner core, are narrow, poorly marked, and in need of renovation. That vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists all share these roadways makes for a dangerous combination of circumstances. 

Drivers operating their vehicles at speeds that are difficult to handle are a significant factor that contributes to the level of danger posed by cycling on Philadelphia streets. Additionally, drivers frequently change lanes without signaling and without giving enough room to the vehicles on either side. All the while, pedestrians and cyclists are attempting to cross these streets, exit/enter vehicles, and locate destinations in unfamiliar areas. 

What Are the Major Contributing Factors to Auto/Cyclist Accidents in Philadelphia?

None of the foregoing factors we have listed regarding the significant causes of traffic accidents will surprise you. However, what is surprising to anyone visiting our city is the extent to which most drivers seem to fall into at least one of these categories. That such a high percentage of people are violating road laws each day is enough to cause a cyclist to have concerns about traveling around the city. 

Speeding Is a Leading Cause of Bicycle Accidents

Travelling at high speeds means that a motorist’s reaction time necessarily shrinks when it comes to making decisions about roadway safety. Additionally, the faster a vehicle is travelling, the more likely the damage to your body will be significant. Falling off a stationary bicycle hurts, but it is hard to imagine how much worse it is to be struck by an oncoming vehicle and then be knocked off your bicycle. Avoiding drivers who speed indiscriminately on the roads is one way to prevent many accidents.

Aggressive Driving As A Factor In Bicycle Accidents

We have all seen other drivers operating their vehicles on city streets much like professional race car drivers. Swerving from lane to lane without signaling. Speeding up for no apparent reason and then slamming on their brakes. The tell-tale sign of an aggressive driver is the propensity to tailgate. If a vehicle is tailgating you and cannot get around you, that means the chances of the vehicle making contact with your bicycle increase substantially. 

Intoxicated Drivers 

Unfortunately, drunk drivers are one of the most common reasons why not only accidents take place in Philadelphia but also why so many of them result in the serious injury or death of at least one party to the accident. Controlling a vehicle proves to be quite difficult for an intoxicated driver. Put yourself, as a cyclist, next to a weaving, wobbling, intoxicated driver operating a motor vehicle. This image likely does not inspire much confidence as you attempt to reach your destination in one piece. 

What Safety Laws Exist In Pennsylvania Related To Cyclists?

Pennsylvania has laws in place to help keep cyclists safe. As a cyclist, it is a good idea to bear these laws in mind as you travel around Philadelphia. 

First, cyclists are required to ride on the right side of the road. In a two-lane street, do not ride in the left-hand lane. When riding in the right lane, be sure to ride as close to the curb as you can. Bear in mind that you can venture out from the right land when attempting to turn left or to avoid a hazard on the road. 

Next, if you are riding with a partner, be sure to adjust your riding pattern according to the conditions you encounter. For example, on a heavily congested road during peak traffic hours, the law requires you and your cycling partner to ride single file, one behind the other. This is to reduce the likelihood of either of you creating a traffic jam due to vehicles being unable to pass a cyclist. On the other hand, riding abreast of one another is acceptable if there is no traffic to contend with. 

Finally, Pennsylvania law requires that cyclists have at least two lights on their bicycles. The first is a white front light, and the second is a red rear reflector. The rear reflector helps trailing vehicles see you when their headlights reflect red off the back of your bicycle. Of all the simple actions you can take to help keep yourself safe, this is the most straightforward. Maintaining your bicycle and ensuring visibility are steps that you can take on your own. 

What Can A Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney Do For You?

Suffering a cycling injury due to the bad actions of a motorist is a stressful position to find yourself in. Not only are you dealing with recovering from your injuries, but you are also looking into filing an insurance claim and possibly replacing your bicycle. Add to these responsibilities the likelihood that you are unable to work, and you will need help from a professional. 

A Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney represents clients by filing claims with insurance companies while gathering necessary evidence and information to strengthen their legal case. This allows you to focus your energy on receiving essential medical care and recovering from your injuries. Cycling accident cases can become complex. Making mistakes in an insurance claim or legal case can cost you time and money. An experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney understands the legal process and can help you recover maximum compensation for your injuries, property damage, and lost wages. 

Understand Your Rights By Contacting A Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Injured in a cycling accident? Contact a Philadelphia bicycle accident attorney at Anthony C. Gagliano, III, Esquire, P.C. for a free consultation. We fight for our injured clients, and we can do the same for you.