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The Dangers Of Your Nighttime Bike Ride In Washington, D.C.

For many, riding a bicycle is restricted to daytime hours. Daylight sun provides a natural method of bicycle accident prevention, offering peace of mind and practical visibility for commuters, athletes and bike enthusiasts.

However, when the early morning or late evening hours approach, bicycles are often put away and replaced with cars or public transportation as a preferred means of getting around the city. The fear is that nighttime bike riding can lead to dangerous Washington, D.C., bicycle accidents. Why do cyclists worry so much?

Common Safety Problems Related To Nighttime Bike Riding

  • Traffic safety and bicycle accidents – The fear of getting hit by a car, truck or another vehicle on the road is a reality for many bike riders. The dark hours before sunrise and after sunset reduce visibility for motorists and cyclists, and can cause serious bicycle accidents.
  • Invisible road hazards – Many factors cause bike accidents to become hidden in the dark, not allowing cyclists adequate time to safely react when these hazards arise. They can include: potholes, curbsides, street cracks, road debris or even animals. When visibility is limited, cyclists may not have sufficient time to avoid an accident.
  • Pedestrian hazards ­– There is a general safety fear for many cyclists who choose to ride their bikes at night. Robbers, kidnappers, and potentially violent individuals have easy access to bicyclists during evening hours. Fewer numbers of people are out to witness attacks, or to assist in the event of an accident.

If you are one of the dedicated cyclists who are brave enough to take a bike ride in the dark, it’s important to understand the real risks associated with nighttime bike riding. But, even the most prepared rider who takes every safety precaution can still become the victim of a D.C. bike accident.

If you’ve been injured in a bike crash, our experienced Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., bicycle accident attorneys are here to answer your questions and can help you understand if you have grounds to take legal action against another party. Call 202-296-0666 to schedule your free, no-hassle appointment today.