The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

When a Cyclist Gets Hit by a Car: The Uphill Battle for Justice Quick Answer: When a cyclist gets hit by a car, the legal and insurance battles are often stacked against them. Even with clear evidence, cyclists face blame-shifting, denied claims, and lengthy legal fights. Advocacy and awareness are critical to changing this system. Cycling is a beloved sport for many, but unfortunately, it can also be a dangerous one. Cyclists face a range of risks on the road, including collisions with cars, which can result in serious injury or even death. 📍 A Recent Case Recently, a cyclist in a major city was struck by a car while riding in a designated bike lane. The driver, distracted by their phone, veered into the lane and hit the cyclist from behind. The rider was hospitalized with a broken collarbone and a concussion. ⚖️ The Insurance Battle Despite the driver’s clear fault, the cyclist faced an uphill battle for justice. The driver’s insurance company denied the claim, arguing th...

Cycling Is Awesome — But Is It Safe? Bicycling is one of the best ways to stay fit, explore your surroundings, and lighten your carbon footprint. But let’s be real — safety matters, and it’s worth understanding the risks before you clip in and roll out. The Biggest Risk: Motor Vehicle Collisions According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 1,260 bicycle deaths in 2020. More than 800 of those involved collisions with motor vehicles. The rest were non-traffic incidents, but they’re still serious. Why do so many crashes happen? A few common reasons: Distracted driving: Phones, food, texts — you name it. Distracted drivers pose a real threat to cyclists. Failure to yield: Whether at intersections or while passing, drivers not yielding properly is a big problem. Speeding: The faster a car is going, the more dangerous it is for everyone — especially cyclists. Lack of visibility: Cyclists without lights or bright clothing are harder to see, especially...