Maine’s natural beauty is made for cycling. From the rolling hills of the countryside to coastal views along Route 1, it’s no surprise more people are hopping on bikes for recreation, commuting, or exercise. But as Maine’s roads fill with both cars and cyclists, the risk of bicycle accidents continues to grow.
While most rides go smoothly, a single moment of distraction or a missed stop sign can result in a serious injury. Bicycle accidents don’t just happen in big cities; they’re increasingly common in small towns, beach communities, and even quiet residential neighborhoods.
When crashes happen, injured cyclists often turn to a Maine bicycle accident lawyer for help navigating the legal system and holding negligent drivers accountable.
Here are five of the most common causes of bicycle accidents in Maine, along with steps drivers can take to avoid them.
1. Drivers failing to yield at intersections
One of the most common and dangerous situations for cyclists happens at Maine's intersections. A driver turning left across traffic or making a quick right turn without checking for bikes can cause a serious T-bone or sideswipe collision in seconds.
In many cases, drivers don’t see the cyclist. Bikes are smaller, quieter, and can appear suddenly in a driver’s blind spot. At other times, drivers assume they have the right of way or that the cyclist will stop, even when Maine law states otherwise.
Under Maine law, bicycles are considered vehicles and are subject to the same rights and responsibilities as cars. That means drivers must yield to cyclists, just as they would to any other vehicle.
2. Dooring incidents in busy towns and tourist areas
You’ve probably heard of it, or maybe even experienced it yourself: you’re riding in the bike lane, and suddenly a car door flies open right in your path. You swerve to avoid it and either slam into the door or veer into traffic.
This is called a dooring accident, and it’s especially common in downtown areas with on-street parking. In Maine, that includes parts of Portland, Bar Harbor, Old Orchard Beach, and any coastal town that fills with tourists during the summer months.
Drivers and passengers exiting vehicles often forget to check their mirrors for approaching cyclists. Unfortunately, that split-second mistake can cause serious head injuries, broken bones, or worse.
Drivers can do their part to keep cyclists safe by using the “Dutch Reach,” which involves opening their door with their far hand, thereby automatically turning and looking behind them.
3. Poor road conditions and lack of bike infrastructure
Maine’s rugged charm extends to its roads, not always in a positive way. Potholes, cracks, loose gravel, and faded markings are all hazards cyclists encounter regularly, especially in more rural parts of the state.
In areas where there are no designated bike lanes or shoulders, cyclists are often forced to ride closer to the flow of traffic. When a driver isn’t paying attention, that creates a dangerous situation.
When this is combined with limited street lighting (especially at dusk or in poor weather conditions), visibility becomes a serious issue for both cyclists and drivers.
Improving infrastructure is a long-term solution, but for now, awareness is key. Drivers should expect to share the road, even in less populated areas, and slow down when passing a cyclist on narrow roads.
4. Distracted driving
With smartphones, GPS devices, streaming dashboards, and in-car conversations, modern vehicles have become rolling distraction zones. This distraction can quickly become deadly. A driver glancing at a text may not notice a cyclist until it’s too late. Unlike a car-on-car collision, a crash involving a bike usually ends with serious injuries or worse for the cyclist.
Maine law prohibits texting while driving, but laws alone can’t prevent every tragedy. The real difference comes when drivers actively choose to stay alert and keep their hands, eyes, and attention where they belong, on the road.
5. Speeding
Speeding is one of the most common factors in serious and fatal traffic crashes, and for cyclists in Maine, it can be especially life-threatening. Many of the state’s rural roads stretch for miles without stop signs or traffic lights, which can make drivers feel it’s safe to exceed the speed limit. But all it takes is one curve, one hill, or one split-second moment of inattention to turn a routine drive into a tragic accident.
Cyclists often ride along the same shoulders and roads where drivers are picking up speed, and they’re far more vulnerable. A vehicle traveling just 10 mph over the speed limit has significantly less time to stop and a much higher impact force. That can mean the difference between a near miss and a life-altering injury. Speed limits exist to save lives. Drivers must take that responsibility seriously.
Hurt in a bike crash? Contact a Maine bicycle accident lawyer today.
If you were hurt while riding your bike in Maine, you may be facing physical pain, medical bills, lost income, and a long road to recovery. The Law Offices of Joe Bornstein is here to help you deal with insurance companies and build a strong case.
Whether you were hit while crossing the street in Portland or sideswiped on a quiet road in Bangor, our experienced Maine bicycle accident attorneys are here to stand up for your rights and help you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
We proudly serve clients across Maine, from Sanford and Lewiston to Augusta and Caribou. Plus, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe us a dime unless we win your case. We also offer a free, no-obligation consultation so you can get the answers you need before making any decisions.
If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, don’t wait. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and pursuing justice on your behalf. Schedule your free case review today and let us put our experience to work for you.
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