Bicycle Safety Matters: What Drivers and Cyclists Need to Know

May is Bicycle Safety Awareness Month.

​Learn essential safety tips for drivers and cyclists — plus how insurance works after a bike accident.

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May is Bicycle Safety Awareness Month—Here’s Why It Matters for Everyone on the Road
Whether you're behind the wheel or on two wheels, road safety is a shared responsibility. As biking continues to grow in popularity across the U.S., so do concerns about cyclist safety.

May is National Bicycle Safety Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time for drivers and cyclists alike to review safe practices — and understand how insurance may factor in.

This blog covers the current state of bicycle safety, key tips for both cyclists and motorists, and what you need to know about insurance coverage after a bike-related accident.​


🚲 Why Bicycle Safety Matters Now More Than Ever
Bicycling has surged in popularity for commuting, exercise, and recreation — but with more bikes on the road, the risks have also increased.
🚨 The Stats:

• In 2022, over 1,100 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. — the highest number in nearly 50 years. (NHTSA, 2023)
  
  
• Every day, an average of 8 cyclists are killed and 450+ are injured in motor vehicle-related incidents.
  
  
• Texas ranks among the top 10 states for cyclist fatalities, with urban areas like Dallas and Houston seeing increased incidents. (GHSA, 2023

🚴 Tips for Cyclists: Stay Visible, Predictable, and Protected

1. Follow Traffic Laws
   Bicycles are legally considered vehicles — cyclists must stop at lights and signs and ride in the direction of traffic.
   
   
2. Use Lights & Reflective Gear
   Front white lights and rear red reflectors or flashing lights are required in many states after dark.
   
   
3. Always Wear a Helmet
   According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85%. (CDC Bicycle Safety)
   
   
4. Ride Defensively
   Avoid riding in blind spots, and never assume a driver sees you. Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops.
   
   
5. Stay Alert — No Headphones
   Listening to music or podcasts can reduce awareness of nearby traffic, sirens, or hazards.

🚗 Tips for Drivers: Share the Road Safely

1. Leave 3 Feet When Passing
   Texas law recommends at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a cyclist — more if you're in a larger vehicle.
   
   
2. Check Before Turning or Opening Doors
   Look twice before turning right or opening your door — many accidents happen when drivers overlook cyclists approaching from behind.
   
   
3. Slow Down in Residential & Urban Areas
   Cyclists are often closer than they appear — reduce speed and be patient.
   
   
4. Stay Off the Phone
   Distracted driving increases the risk of hitting vulnerable road users like cyclists and pedestrians.
   
   
5. Don’t Honk at Cyclists
   Unless necessary to avoid an immediate collision, honking can startle riders and cause them to lose balance
   
   

🛡️ Bicycle Safety and Insurance: What’s Covered?
If you're involved in a car-and-bicycle accident, multiple types of insurance may apply — depending on who was at fault and the specifics of the policy.

🚗 For Drivers:

• Liability insurance will typically cover injuries or damages caused to the cyclist if you’re at fault.
  
  
• If the cyclist sues for medical bills or lost wages, your bodily injury liability coverage would  kick in if the claim is eligible.
  
  
  

🚴 For Cyclists:

• Homeowners or renters insurance may cover damage or theft of the bicycle itself, but not personal injury.
  
  
• Some cyclists opt for special bike insurance policies that include roadside assistance, event protection, and liability coverage.
  
  
  

💡 Always review your coverage with a licensed agent to understand what’s protected and what gaps may exist — especially if you're a frequent rider or driver in a bike-heavy area.

👣 What to Do After a Bicycle Accident

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately
   
   
2. Exchange contact information
   
   
3. Take photos of the bike, vehicle, road, and injuries
   
   
4. File a police report
   
   
5. Consult your agent or attorney if liability is disputed or significant injuries are involved

🛡️ How Corin Insurance Group Can Help
​At Corin Insurance Group, LLC, we understand that both cyclists and drivers need to feel safe and protected on the road. Whether you're commuting downtown or biking with your kids on weekends, our team is here to:

• Review your auto, home, and umbrella coverage
  
  
• Help you understand what to expect in case of a claim
  
  

We work with top-rated carriers to find personalized, comprehensive coverage that fits your lifestyle — whether you're on four wheels or two.