Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety for Teens and Young Adults in California

Walking and bicycling give teenagers and young adults independence and convenient ways to travel to school, work, parks, businesses, and other destinations.

But sharing California roads with cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles also creates risks.

Young pedestrians and bicyclists may encounter busy intersections, turning vehicles, driveways, parking lots, distracted drivers, and other hazards during everyday travel.

Understanding common accident risks and developing safer road habits may help young people better navigate California streets.

DAG Law Firm, APC represents people injured in serious California bicycle accidents and pedestrian accidents.

Young People Share the Road With Many Types of Traffic

A short trip to school or work may involve several different traffic environments.

Young pedestrians and bicyclists may travel through:

• Residential streets
• Busy intersections
• Crosswalks
• Bike lanes
• School zones
• Parking lots
• Shopping areas
• Public transportation stops
• Roads without dedicated bicycle infrastructure

Conditions can change quickly, making awareness particularly important.

Intersections Can Be High-Risk Areas

Intersections bring pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles together from several directions.

Potential dangers may involve:

• Vehicles making left turns
• Vehicles making right turns
• Drivers entering crosswalks
• Cars crossing bicycle lanes
• Limited visibility
• Distracted drivers
• Vehicles moving through traffic signals

Pedestrians and bicyclists should remain alert even when traveling through designated crossing areas.

Turning Vehicles Can Be Difficult to Anticipate

A driver preparing to turn may be watching other vehicles and fail to notice a pedestrian or bicyclist nearby.

This can become particularly dangerous when a vehicle crosses:

• A crosswalk
• A bicycle lane
• A sidewalk
• A driveway
• An intersection

Young road users should avoid assuming that a driver has seen them simply because they are visible from their own perspective.

Distracted Driving Creates Risks for Pedestrians and Cyclists

Drivers need to notice people who have much less physical protection than occupants of motor vehicles.

Distractions may reduce the time a driver has to recognize:

• A pedestrian entering a crosswalk
• A bicyclist traveling alongside traffic
• Someone crossing a driveway
• A cyclist approaching an intersection
• A pedestrian walking through a parking lot

Even a brief distraction can become significant when traffic conditions change quickly.

Phones Can Distract Pedestrians and Bicyclists Too

Drivers are not the only road users who can become distracted.

Looking at a phone while walking or bicycling can make it harder to notice approaching vehicles, changing traffic signals, road hazards, or other people.

Young pedestrians and bicyclists may reduce some risks by keeping their attention on the surrounding environment when approaching roads and intersections.

Bicycle Visibility Matters

Bicycles can be more difficult for motorists to notice because they are smaller than passenger vehicles.

Visibility can become particularly important:

• At night
• Around sunrise or sunset
• Near parked vehicles
• At intersections
• In heavy traffic
• During poor weather
• In areas with limited lighting

Appropriate lights, reflectors, and visible clothing can help bicyclists become easier for surrounding drivers to notice.

Helmets Can Be an Important Part of Bicycle Safety

Bicycle crashes can result in significant head injuries.

Wearing an appropriately fitted bicycle helmet is an important safety measure, particularly for younger riders.

A helmet cannot prevent every injury or collision, but it can provide additional protection if a cyclist falls or is struck.

Parked Cars Can Create Hidden Hazards

Parked vehicles can reduce visibility for both drivers and young people traveling on foot or by bicycle.

Potential dangers include:

• Drivers opening vehicle doors
• Cars pulling away from curbs
• Pedestrians stepping between vehicles
• Bicyclists being hidden from approaching traffic
• Vehicles backing from parking spaces

Bicyclists traveling near parked vehicles should remain aware that a door may open or a vehicle may suddenly enter traffic.

Driveways and Parking Lots Require Attention

Many pedestrian and bicycle collisions occur away from major intersections.

Vehicles entering or leaving:

• Shopping centers
• Apartment buildings
• Schools
• Parking garages
• Restaurants
• Gas stations
• Residential driveways

may cross sidewalks or areas used by bicyclists.

Drivers should watch for people approaching from both directions before crossing pedestrian or bicycle travel areas.

Road Conditions Can Be More Dangerous for Bicyclists

Bicycles are particularly sensitive to road-surface hazards.

Potential dangers may include:

• Potholes
• Loose gravel
• Debris
• Uneven pavement
• Construction zones
• Drainage grates
• Broken pavement
• Other roadway defects

A cyclist attempting to avoid a road hazard may need to change position suddenly, which can create additional danger when vehicles are nearby.

Common Injuries in Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrians and bicyclists have little physical protection when struck by motor vehicles.

Potential injuries may include:

• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Head injuries
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Knee and leg injuries
• Cuts and lacerations
• Road rash
• Other serious trauma

Some injuries may require hospitalization, rehabilitation, or extended time away from school or work.

Young Accident Victims May Face Unique Disruptions

A serious accident can affect more than physical health.

For teenagers and young adults, recovery may interfere with:

• School attendance
• College
• Employment
• Sports
• Extracurricular activities
• Transportation
• Social activities
• Everyday independence

The effects of an accident vary depending on the injuries and circumstances.

What to Do After a Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident

Immediate medical and safety needs generally come first after a serious collision.

Depending on the circumstances, potentially useful information may include:

• Driver information
• Insurance information
• Photographs
• Videos
• Witness contact information
• Police or accident reports
• Medical documentation
• Images of the intersection or roadway
• Available surveillance footage

The evidence that matters will depend on how and where the accident occurred.

Bicycle Accident Claims in California

Bicycle collisions may involve distracted driving, unsafe turns, failure to notice a cyclist, roadway hazards, or other circumstances.

Every accident is different, and responsibility depends on the particular facts and available evidence.

Learn more about our California bicycle accident lawyers.

Pedestrian Accident Claims in California

Pedestrian accidents frequently occur at intersections, crosswalks, parking areas, driveways, and other locations where people and motor vehicles cross paths.

Determining what happened may require examining vehicle movements, visibility, traffic controls, witness information, and other evidence.

Learn more about our California pedestrian accident lawyers.

Safer Habits Can Start Early

Learning to safely navigate roads as a pedestrian or bicyclist can benefit young people for years.

Helpful habits may include:

• Staying alert around traffic
• Avoiding phone distractions
• Watching for turning vehicles
• Using appropriate bicycle safety equipment
• Remaining visible
• Paying attention at driveways
• Watching for road hazards
• Following applicable traffic controls

Drivers also have an important role in safely sharing the road with younger pedestrians and bicyclists.

Learning More May Help

California streets are shared by drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, and many other road users.

Understanding common risks may help teenagers and young adults develop safer habits as they become more independent.

DAG Law Firm, APC represents people injured in serious pedestrian and bicycle accidents throughout California.

You Do Not Pay Unless We Win

DAG Law Firm, APC handles personal injury matters on a contingency fee basis.

You do not pay attorney’s fees upfront, and we only receive attorney’s fees if we successfully recover compensation for you.

Injured in a California Bicycle or Pedestrian Accident?

If you or a family member has been injured while walking or riding a bicycle, DAG Law Firm, APC can review the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Contact DAG Law Firm today for a free consultation.

Call (323) 930-2020.