Common Crash Types
Understanding the most common types of crashes cyclists encounter helps prevent accidents.
A bicyclist riding on the right side of the road is struck by an overtaking vehicle in the same lane.
The operator of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on a roadway shall leave a safe distance, but not less than 3 feet, when passing the bicycle and shall maintain that distance until safely past the overtaken bicycle."
CMC 506-71(b)
A bicyclist is struck by a motorist opening a car door into traffic.
No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, including bicyclists, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic, including bicyclists, for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.”
CMC 511-34
For the safety of cyclists, the City of Cincinnati recommends that cyclists should ride four feet away from parked cars, even if it means taking a whole lane of traffic.
A bicyclist going straight in the right lane is hit by a car from the same lane while the car is making a right turn.
"When a motor vehicle and a bicycle are traveling in the same direction on any roadway, the operator of the motor vehicle overtaking such bicycle traveling on the right side of the roadway shall not turn to the right in front of the bicycle at that intersection or at any alley or driveway until such vehicle has overtaken and is safely clear of the bicycle.”
CMC 506-84(h)
A bicyclist riding straight is hit by an oncoming vehicle turning left across their path.
"The operator of a vehicle within an inter-section intending to turn to the left shall yield the right of way to any vehicle or bicycle approaching from the opposite direction.”
CMC 506-84(g)