Road Hazards

More than half of the injuries that happen to bicyclists are the result of falls, and these are often caused by road surface problems. (You can read more about crash statistics). Learning to identify and avoid hazards on the road will greatly reduce your chance of injury. Some of the more common hazards are parallel-slot drain grates, wet leaves, sand and gravel, and potholes.

Steel Plates
These temporary covers for road work are a major hazard.  First, they are extremely slippery when wet. Do not ride over wet steel plates. If you didn't see the plate in time to steer around or stop before one of these nasties, just coast over it (no braking, pedaling, or steering).  Riding up along the side edge of one of these plates could cause you to have a diverting fall.


Metal-decked bridges can also be very slippery when wet. Get off and walk if you think a metal bridge surface may be wet.

Railroad Crossings
When railroad crossings are perpendicular to the road, they're just bumps. But when they're diagonal, they could cause you to fall. Maneuver so you can cross them as close to a right angle as possible, making sure that any overtaking traffic knows what you are doing. Trolley tracks, by contrast, run parallel to the road, and prevent you from making a left turn or even from passing.

Riding in Traffic
Traffic Basics
Obey Your Signals
Don't Get Doored
Road Hazards
Make It Turn Green
Stay Away from Trucks
Use Lights at Night