Can Poor Road Conditions Make a City Liable for a Bicycle Crash?
Bicyclists are especially vulnerable to road hazards. A pothole that barely affects a car can throw a cyclist off balance in an instant. Uneven pavement, crumbling shoulders, debris, or poorly designed bike lanes can all turn an ordinary ride into a serious bike accident. When a bicycle crash is caused by dangerous road conditions, injured riders often ask: “Can the city be held responsible?”
The answer is sometimes yes. But claims against a government entity follow special rules and can be more complicated than a typical personal injury case.
Cities Have a Duty to Maintain Safe Roadways
Cities and other public agencies are responsible for maintaining roads in a reasonably safe condition for all lawful users, including bicyclists.
That duty extends beyond cars. If a roadway contains a dangerous defect that creates an unreasonable risk of harm, the government may be liable for injuries that result.
Examples of hazardous road conditions that can lead to bicycle crashes include:
- Large potholes or broken pavement,
- Poorly maintained bike lanes,
- Missing or obscured traffic signs,
- Dangerous drainage grates,
- Loose gravel or debris left after construction,
- Uneven road transitions or raised utility covers, and
- Inadequate warning of known hazards.
However, not every rough patch of road creates legal liability. The key question you need to ask is whether the road condition was dangerous enough that the city should have fixed it or warned riders about it.
You Must Show the City Knew (or Should Have Known)
In most cases, a city is only liable if it had notice of a dangerous condition and failed to act within a reasonable time. Notice can be:
- Actual notice, where the city knew about the hazard through complaints, inspections, or prior incidents, or
- Constructive notice, where the hazard existed long enough that the city should have discovered it through reasonable maintenance.
The notice requirement is one of the biggest hurdles in a municipal liability case. Evidence such as prior complaints, maintenance records, 311 reports, or witness testimony can be critical in proving notice.
Special Rules Apply to Government Claims
Suing a city is not the same as suing a private driver. Government claims are governed by strict procedures and deadlines that are often much shorter than standard injury statutes of limitation.
These cases usually require:
- Filing a formal claim notice before filing a lawsuit,
- Meeting specific deadlines,
- Providing detailed documentation, and
- Following agency-specific rules.
Missing a notice deadline can permanently bar your claim — even if your injuries are serious and the city was clearly negligent.
Comparative Fault Can Reduce Recovery
Cities frequently argue that the injured cyclist should share blame for their accident.
They may claim the rider was speeding, not paying attention, riding outside the bike lane, or ignoring visible hazards. Even if the city is partly responsible, your compensation can be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Insurance defense teams often use this argument aggressively in bicycle cases, which is why early investigation and documentation are so important.
Talk to a Lawyer Quickly After a Bicycle Crash
Claims involving government entities are complex and deadline-driven. If poor road conditions contributed to your bicycle crash, speaking with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible can protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
An experienced lawyer can investigate the hazard, determine whether the city had notice, file the required claims paperwork, and pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Contact Justice Through Compensation for Help
If you or a loved one was injured in an accident, please know that the law firm of Justice Through Compensation is here to help. Our legal team is skilled, experienced, and passionate in their representation. Let us shoulder the burden of an injury claim or lawsuit while you focus on healing from your injuries. Contact us today for the quality legal help you deserve.