Cycling is a fun, healthy, and eco-friendly way to move through your city or town. But what happens when your ride takes you across a highway with fast-moving traffic?
Many intersections are unclear, and some drivers are too distracted to notice cyclists at all. Roads are often designed with cars in mind, leaving riders exposed and unsure where to cross.
These highway zones can be unpredictable and extremely dangerous for anyone on a bike. What are the risks, and who can help when things go wrong? In this article, we’ll look at the dangers and how cyclists can protect themselves.
Highway crossings are especially dangerous for cyclists due to a mix of speed and poor visibility. Drivers often struggle to respond quickly when cyclists enter intersections without warning. Several common design flaws add to the risk, including:
CDC notes that about 64% of bicyclist deaths happen on roads away from intersections at higher speeds. Around 27% of fatalities occur at intersections, where visibility and timing are major concerns. Data shows that rider safety depends heavily on both road design and driver awareness.
Cyclists may think it’s clear, but drivers may not see them until it’s too late. Since most drivers are focused on other vehicles, they often overlook someone on a bike. Low light and blind spots only make the risk worse.
Highway intersections usually don’t include crosswalks, bike signals, or marked paths for cyclists. This forces riders to figure out the safest way to cross on their own. One moment of distraction from a driver can quickly lead to a serious crash.
Weather can make highway crossings much more dangerous for cyclists. Rain, snow, and fog reduce visibility, making it harder for both drivers and cyclists to see clearly.
Wet or icy roads increase the risk of losing control of the bike, especially when cyclists are navigating fast-moving traffic.
ScienceDirect states that cyclists face a 20 to 38 times higher fall risk in rainy or icy weather. Wet surfaces reduce traction, especially when navigating turns or braking suddenly. Even basic maneuvers can cause slips in these hazardous conditions.
In bad weather, cyclists should be extra cautious. Wearing reflective gear and using lights can help improve visibility. Cyclists should also adjust their speed and avoid making sharp turns to prevent accidents. Navigating through highway intersections in poor weather requires more attention and care to stay safe.
Many highway crossings are not built with cyclists in mind, making them extremely unsafe to navigate. Most have no bike lanes, warning signs, or protected areas to help riders cross safely. Some sections don’t even offer sidewalks or shoulders, especially in suburban or rural areas.
This forces cyclists to improvise and take risks just to continue their journey. Even in more developed areas, highway ramps and exits rarely include space for bicycles. A rider may follow a local road only to find it suddenly merges into fast highway traffic.
Without clear paths, cyclists end up weaving between cars or waiting long periods for a gap. These conditions are not just frustrating; they are dangerous and lead to preventable accidents.
A crash involving a car and a bike almost always leaves the cyclist in worse shape than the driver. Helmets help, but cannot protect against everything, especially during high-speed highway accidents. Victims are often left with broken bones, spinal damage, or serious head trauma.
WGNS Radio reported a recent accident in Murfreesboro, TN, that shows just how serious highway accidents can be. On April 1st, 2025, an 80-year-old man riding a bicycle was hit by a car on John Bragg Highway. It happened at Coleman Road, and the man was airlifted to the hospital with serious injuries.
For most victims, consulting experienced local lawyers is often the only way to seek compensation and find closure after an accident. In this case, the injured rider or his family could reach out to personal injury lawyers in Murfreesboro, TN.
According to Hudson, Reed & Christiansen, local attorneys review traffic footage, police reports, and road conditions to evaluate potential claims. They work to determine who was at fault and whether the driver can be held legally responsible. Even if the driver wasn’t speeding or under the influence, they may still face a lawsuit.
Cyclists can take steps to reduce the risk, even if the road isn’t built for them. Always wear high-visibility clothing and use lights, even during the day. Make sure to use hand signals and avoid making sudden movements in traffic.
People Powered Movement highlights that cyclists typically rely on three essential hand signals to communicate their movements. Most riders use their left hand for signals, following standard and widely accepted practices.
A straight left arm indicates a left turn, ensuring nearby drivers understand the rider's intentions. For right turns, cyclists usually bend the left arm upward or sometimes extend the right arm out.
Drivers also have a role to play in keeping roads safer for everyone. Slow down when approaching intersections and look carefully for bikes, especially in less-developed areas.
Avoid distractions and give cyclists plenty of space when passing or turning. Taking an extra few seconds to look twice could save a life. Everyone deserves to arrive safely, no matter what kind of wheels they’re riding.
Multiple turn lanes increase unpredictability and congestion, which can confuse both cyclists and drivers. Cyclists may struggle to navigate through complex traffic flows, leading to risky encounters. These intersections often lack adequate markings or bike lanes, further compromising cyclist safety.
Poor weather conditions force cyclists to adjust their routes and travel plans for safety. Wet, snowy, or foggy roads may prompt riders to seek alternate paths or avoid certain highways. Cyclists should always consider weather forecasts and be prepared to adapt to changing conditions during their ride.
Ramps and exits often lack space for cyclists, forcing them into high-speed traffic zones. Cyclists can be caught off guard by fast-moving vehicles entering or exiting highways. This lack of cyclist-friendly infrastructure creates an ongoing safety challenge for riders in urban and suburban areas.
Cyclists face serious risks at highway crossings where infrastructure often favors cars over bikes. Many roads lack protected bike lanes, leaving cyclists exposed to dangerous traffic situations. Dedicated lanes, better signage, and traffic-calming measures can significantly improve cyclist safety at intersections.
Public education campaigns should also teach drivers and riders how to share the road responsibly. Increasing awareness helps reduce accidents and creates safer commuting experiences for all road users. Transportation systems should protect everyone, not just people behind the wheel.
