The Most Dangerous Places to Ride a Bike in Dallas (and What to Do If You’re Hit)

Biking Through Dallas: Where Danger Lurks

Dallas has been working to improve its biking infrastructure, but the city remains one of the riskiest places in Texas for cyclists. Despite growing interest in cycling for commuting, exercise, and recreation, the roads haven’t kept pace. Recent city data reveals that a small fraction of streets account for a majority of serious injuries and fatalities – many of them in areas with little or no bike-friendly infrastructure.

As traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels and the number of cyclists rises, understanding where – and why – bike crashes happen has never been more important. This article breaks down the most dangerous areas to ride a bike in Dallas, explains the key risk factors, and shows what steps to take if you’re injured.

Why Dallas Remains Risky for Cyclists

Dallas ranks among the most dangerous major cities in Texas for people on bikes – not because of high ridership, but because of persistent infrastructure failures. In 2025, the city’s own Vision Zero data confirmed that just 7% of Dallas roadways are responsible for 62% of all severe or fatal crashes. These roads, part of the High Injury Network (HIN), are often hostile to cyclists, lacking protected bike lanes or even basic shoulder space.

One major issue is the car-centric design of the city. Many arterial roads are wide, fast, and built for high-volume vehicle traffic. This makes it difficult for cyclists to ride safely, especially where there are no dedicated bike lanes. Even in areas with shared lane markings, drivers often ignore cyclists’ rights to the road.

Another problem lies in infrastructure inequality. In Central and North Dallas, there’s been measurable progress – trails, bike paths, and neighborhood-friendly corridors. But in South, Southeast, and West Dallas, safe biking options are limited or nonexistent. These areas tend to have higher rates of traffic injuries, compounding the safety risks for residents who depend on bicycles for transportation.

Compounding these issues is the lack of connectivity. Many bike routes simply end without warning, dropping cyclists into heavy traffic. The city has more than 60 miles of on-street bikeways, but many of them are short, fragmented, and poorly maintained.

Without sweeping changes to traffic enforcement, infrastructure funding, and neighborhood prioritization, Dallas will remain a high-risk city for cyclists trying to share the road.

The Most Dangerous Streets and Intersections for Cyclists in Dallas

Cyclists in Dallas face the greatest risk not on side streets or quiet neighborhoods – but on specific high-traffic corridors that have become hotspots for serious crashes. Thanks to geodata from the City of Dallas and regional safety studies, we now know exactly which roads pose the most danger.

1. Maple Avenue (Oak Lawn to Inwood Road)

This stretch of Maple Avenue is widely recognized as one of the city’s most hazardous corridors. Between 2020 and 2024, it saw at least 16 crashes involving fatal or serious injuries, according to the City of Dallas Vision Zero Program. In 2024 alone, two people were killed on this segment – one of them a pedestrian in broad daylight.

Maple Avenue is part of the city’s High Injury Network, meaning it’s among the small group of streets where the majority of deadly crashes happen. Despite its importance as a commuter route, the current design includes multiple travel lanes and minimal protection for cyclists.

2. Skillman Street and Abrams Road Corridor

East Dallas residents have long complained about the danger posed by the Skillman-Abrams corridor. In 2024, Skillman Street between La Vista Drive and Abrams logged 63 crashes, while Abrams Road from Richmond Avenue to Northwest Highway had 68 collisions, including a fatality involving alcohol.

These streets carry a heavy mix of local and through traffic, often at high speeds. The lack of dedicated bike infrastructure and poor lighting further increases the danger, especially for evening and early morning cyclists.

3. Young Street, North Lamar Street, and South Riverfront Boulevard

These downtown and near-downtown corridors appear on both the bike crash maps and the High Injury Network. Shared lane markings are common, but the streets are frequently crowded, poorly lit in sections, and prone to fast turns by impatient drivers.

Even South Riverfront, which features a buffered bike lane, has been the site of serious crashes, underscoring the limits of painted lanes without physical separation.

4. MLK Jr. Boulevard and Lagow Street (Southeast Dallas)

These two streets serve areas with some of the least developed biking infrastructure in the city. While portions of Lagow Street have dedicated bike lanes, the street is still listed in the 2025 High Injury Network due to recurring crashes. MLK Boulevard, a busy arterial, has shared lanes but little else to protect cyclists.

In general, Southeast Dallas sees fewer infrastructure upgrades than more affluent parts of the city, leading to disproportionate risk for residents who bike for daily transportation.

Table: Crash Hotspots with Data

When and Why Bike Accidents Happen Most in Dallas

Knowing where crashes happen is only part of the equation. Equally important is understanding when and why these collisions occur. Data from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) and the City of Dallas reveals consistent patterns that point to high-risk timeframes and recurring causes.

Most Bike Crashes Happen at Intersections

A regional review of bike and pedestrian crash data found that roughly 74% of bike crashes occur at or near intersections. These locations are especially hazardous due to turning conflicts, drivers failing to yield, and poor visibility – particularly at multi-lane or offset intersections.

Common crash types include:

• Right hook collisions, where a driver turns right across a bike lane
• Failure to yield, especially at unmarked crosswalks or flashing signals
• Side-swipe incidents, often in shared lanes during lane changes

Peak Crash Times: Late Afternoon and Night

Crashes spike during weekday late afternoons (3–7 PM), which coincide with rush hour traffic. This is when drivers are more distracted, road volumes are higher, and visibility begins to fade. Evening and nighttime riding also carries elevated risk due to reduced lighting and increased likelihood of impaired driving.

Road Conditions Play a Role

Crashes are more likely to occur on streets with:

• Inconsistent or missing signage
• Low lighting or glare-heavy intersections
• Shared lanes lacking clear pavement markings

In short, Dallas cyclists face higher risk not just on certain roads – but at specific times and conditions where design flaws, behavior, and timing all intersect.

Table: Crash Frequency by Time of Day

How Infrastructure Shapes the Danger

Dallas has made visible efforts to expand its bike network – but the quality and consistency of that infrastructure vary widely. The way streets are designed plays a direct role in how likely a cyclist is to be injured or killed.

Shared Lanes vs Protected Lanes

One of the most dangerous setups for cyclists is the shared lane, where cars and bikes occupy the same space with little separation. Many streets in Dallas, including parts of Young Street, Lamar Street, and MLK Jr. Boulevard, rely on shared lane markings. These roads often carry fast-moving traffic, and without physical barriers, cyclists are left exposed.

Even designated bike lanes aren’t always safe. For example, South Riverfront Boulevard and Lagow Street feature painted bike lanes – yet they both appear on the city’s High Injury Network. In these cases, paint alone does little to prevent cars from drifting into cyclist space or making unsafe turns.

Fragmented Bikeways Create New Risks

Dallas has about 67 miles of on-street bikeways and 146 miles of trails, but the street-based network is often fragmented. Routes begin and end abruptly, forcing cyclists to merge into general traffic with no warning. This disconnect creates confusion for both riders and drivers and significantly increases crash risk at network “gaps.”

A rider traveling from Southeast Dallas toward downtown, for example, might encounter safe, separated infrastructure for part of the trip – only to be funneled into a high-speed road like I-30 frontage or MLK Boulevard for the final stretch.

Infrastructure Lacks

Southern Dallas neighborhoods – especially those in the Southeast and Southwest – have fewer safe bike routes and longer gaps between improvements. These same areas are often where residents rely on bikes as daily transportation, making the risk not just a safety issue, but an economic and accessibility concern.

The 2025 Dallas Bike Plan calls for correcting these disparities, but for now, the city’s infrastructure continues to reflect historical underinvestment in key neighborhoods.

Table: Bike Infrastructure Comparison

What to Do If You’re Hit While Biking in Dallas

Getting hit by a vehicle while riding a bike is frightening and disorienting. In the moment, it can be hard to know what steps to take – but what you do in the minutes and hours after the crash can make a big difference in your physical recovery and legal rights.

Step 1: Call 911 and Request a Police Report

Even if the driver wants to “handle it without police,” don’t. Call emergency services and ensure the incident is officially documented. The police report will be crucial if you pursue compensation for injuries or damage.

Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Adrenaline can mask symptoms. What feels like a minor injury could be more serious. Get checked out by EMTs on the scene and follow up with a doctor – even if you’re able to walk away.

Step 3: Document the Scene

Use your phone to take photos of:

• Your bike and any visible damage
• The vehicle(s) involved
• Road conditions and traffic signs
• Your injuries
• Any skid marks or debris
  If possible, get statements or contact info from witnesses.

Step 4: Avoid Negotiating or Admitting Fault

It’s natural to feel shaken or even say something like, “I’m fine.” Don’t. These statements can be used against you later. Let professionals evaluate the facts.

Step 5: Contact a Bicycle Accident Attorney in Dallas

Navigating insurance claims, medical bills, and liability laws can be overwhelming – especially while you’re recovering. This is where legal guidance becomes critical.

Genthe Law Firm is a Dallas-based accident injury firm with experience handling bicycle accident cases in some of the city’s most dangerous corridors, including Maple Avenue, Skillman Street, and others listed on Dallas’s High Injury Network. They understand the legal and infrastructural complexities that put cyclists at risk – and they know how to hold negligent drivers accountable.

FAQs about Biking Dangers and Accidents in Dallas

What are the most dangerous streets for cyclists in Dallas?
Maple Avenue, Skillman Street, Abrams Road, and Lamar Street are among the highest-risk areas based on 2024–2025 crash data. Many of these corridors are part of Dallas’s High Injury Network and have been the sites of repeated severe or fatal crashes.

Does Dallas have any protected bike lanes?
Some exist, like sections of Riverfront Boulevard, but most bike lanes in Dallas are unprotected or shared with vehicle traffic. Fully protected, physically separated lanes remain rare across the city.

What time of day do most bike accidents happen?
Late afternoon and early evening are the most dangerous, especially between 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Crashes are more likely during rush hour and after dark, particularly at intersections.

How can I check if my route is safe for biking?
The City of Dallas provides an interactive High Injury Network map and route planner. These tools can help you identify dangerous roads and plan safer routes, especially if you’re commuting.

Is it legal to ride a bike on the sidewalk in Dallas?
Generally, yes – but some districts, especially in downtown areas, restrict sidewalk riding. Even where legal, sidewalks can be dangerous due to driveways, turning vehicles, and pedestrian traffic.

What should I do if a driver leaves the scene after hitting me?
Report the hit-and-run to police immediately. Try to remember details like the vehicle’s color, make, and license plate. If you’re injured, seek medical help and contact a personal injury attorney right away.

Do I need a lawyer after a bike accident in Dallas?
If there’s any injury involved – especially with hospital visits, lost wages, or long-term effects – it’s smart to speak with an attorney. A lawyer can help protect your rights and deal with insurers who may downplay your injuries.

What if the driver says I was at fault?
Texas uses a “comparative fault” system. That means even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover damages – especially if the driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. A lawyer can help evaluate liability.

Call Genthe Law Firm – Protect Your Rights After a Bike Accident

If you’ve been injured while biking in Dallas, don’t try to handle it alone. Crashes on dangerous roads like Maple Avenue, Skillman Street, or Abrams Road often involve more than just bad luck – they’re tied to well-known problem areas the city has struggled to fix.

That’s where Genthe Law Firm comes in.

Our Dallas bicycle accident lawyer team knows the Dallas streets where bike accidents happen most and has helped injured cyclists recover medical costs, lost wages, and more. With deep experience in Dallas injury law and a focus on bicycle crash cases, Genthe Law Firm can help you move forward with confidence.

Call (214) 957-0898 to schedule a free consultation.