Bicycle Hazard Radar

How to Identify Bicycle Hazards in Your Area

This guide helps you look closely at your neighborhood and spot things that could make bicycling unsafe. Anyone can use it—whether you’re a concerned resident, a parent, or a student bicycling to school.

Your observation helps create safer streets for everyone.

This version focuses on hazards that can be easily fixed or improved and does not include issues that would require major capital projects or large budgets to address.

A proactive approach can help remove the hazard before a tragedy occurs. Don’t wait for a crash or injury to happen. If you notice a hazard that seems unsafe—especially one that could be fixed quickly, like poorly marked or blocked bike lanes or a broken sign—report it today. Even small changes can prevent serious injuries and deaths.

Tips for Everyone

Bike Lane Conditions

  • Are bike lanes clearly marked and easy to see?
  • Do bike lanes suddenly end or force bicyclists into traffic?

Road Surface Issues

  • Are there potholes, cracks, or uneven pavement where people bike?
  • Are storm drains or grates dangerous for bicycle tires?

Driver Behavior

  • Do drivers pass bicyclists too closely?
  • Do drivers fail to yield to bicyclists at intersections or crossings?

Intersections and Signals

  • Are intersections difficult or confusing for bicyclists to navigate?
  • Are bicycle signals missing, unclear, or poorly timed?

Tips for Parents

School-Area Conditions

  • Are there safe bike routes leading to and from schools?
  • Do school drop-off or pick-up areas create conflicts with bicyclists?

Visibility Problems

  • Do parked cars, fences, or landscaping block views of bicyclists?
  • Are bike routes poorly lit during morning or evening hours?

Shared Roadways

  • Are bicyclists required to share narrow roads with fast-moving vehicles?
  • Are there signs or markings to help drivers watch for bicyclists?

Tips for Kids Bicycling To and From School

Unsafe Crossings

  • Are students crossing streets without bike crossings or signals?
  • Do drivers fail to slow down or stop near school bike routes?

Blocked or Missing Bike Paths

  • Are bike lanes blocked by parked cars, trash, or construction?
  • Are students forced into traffic due to missing or blocked bike lanes?

Crowded or Confusing Areas

  • Are there areas where bikes, cars, and pedestrians mix without clear guidance?
  • Are signs or markings missing that show where bicyclists should ride?

References

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/pedestrian-bike-safety/about/bicycle-safety.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
  2. Bicycle Safety: Bike Safety Tips for Kids and Adults | NHTSA
  3. Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety | FHWA
  4. Bicycle Safety | Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Motorcycle Safety | CDC
  5. Safety Tips for Pedestrians – People Powered Movement
  6. Bicycle Deaths – Injury Facts
  7. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=21201.&utm_source=chatgpt.com
  8. https://spokester.com/blogs/news/bike-tire-pressure-quick-guide-to-the-right-psi-for-bike-tires?srsltid=AfmBOopWfFQrzPSGs8FVB9UpnK-AW-8t8VfPxPiMUreSNMPVaXkUTGta
  9. https://www.bikelaw.com/2021/03/bike-hand-signals/
  10. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road/
  11. https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/laws-and-rules-of-the-road-cont1/
  12. https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=VEH&sectionNum=27400.&utm_source=chatgpt.com
  13. https://iamtraffic.org/education/cycling-with-children/#:~:text=Children%20should%20be%20taught%20to,surface%20hazards%20and%20parked%20cars.
  14. https://www.bgmillerlaw.com/crosswalk-safety-tips-every-parent-should-teach-their-kids/#:~:text=Look%20and%20Listen%20Before%20Stepping,before%20stepping%20into%20the%20crosswalk.