The Old Guy Bicycle Blog

🚲 Quick Take: You’ve got the right-of-way. The car has a stop sign. But one thing has changed—and it’s making intersections more dangerous than ever for cyclists. One of the most dangerous places for a cyclist to encounter a car is at an intersection. And I’m not just talking about big, busy intersections with traffic lights. In fact, I’ve come to believe those are actually safer. At least you know who has the green, who’s turning, and where to expect trouble. But those smaller intersections—especially the ones where you have the right-of-way and the car is stopped at a stop sign —they’re tricky. I’ve had far too many close calls in those exact situations. A few years ago, there was one thing I always relied on: eye contact . I’d approach an intersection and glance straight through the driver’s window. If the driver turned their head and made eye contact with me, I’d feel a little better. It wasn’t a guarantee, but at least I knew they saw me. Of course, I still rode...

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...

Riding a bicycle is an excellent way to stay active, enjoy the outdoors, and reduce your carbon footprint. But sharing the road—especially with cars and unpredictable surfaces—comes with its own set of risks. To ride confidently and safely, cyclists need to stay alert and learn how to handle common road hazards. Here’s what to watch out for—and how to avoid trouble on the road. Common Road Hazards for Cyclists 1. Potholes Potholes are one of the most common dangers. Hitting one at high speed can damage your wheels or throw you off your bike. Avoid them by: Scanning the road 10–15 feet ahead. Steering around them if it's safe. Rising slightly off your saddle when hitting one to absorb the impact with your legs. 2. Loose Gravel Gravel reduces traction, especially in corners or when braking. It’s most dangerous on shoulders, intersections, and rural roads. Stay safe by: Slowing down before turning or braking. Riding in a straight line through gravel sections...