Where Are San Diego’s Most Dangerous Roads for Cyclists?

By Eugene Bruno on September 4, 2025

San Diego is known for its beautiful coastline, temperate weather, and active outdoor culture, making it one of the most popular cities in California for cycling.

Serious bike crashes continue to occur across the city, however, whether they involve cyclists commuting downtown, riding the Pacific Beach boardwalk, or sharing lanes with vehicles in Hillcrest, cyclists remain at risk.

Unfortunately, Circulate San Diego reports an increase in the number of bike accident fatalities in recent years. So if you were injured in a bike crash, Eugene Bruno & Associates will inform you about your legal options for seeking compensation.

Dangerous San Diego Bike Routes in 2025

According to recent crash data and community advocacy reports, the following corridors are considered cyclist injury hotspots in San Diego for 2025:

University Avenue (City Heights to Hillcrest)

University Avenue is one of the city’s busiest east-west arteries—and one of the most treacherous for cyclists. Narrow lanes, frequent bus stops, and high-speed traffic contribute to a dangerous mix. While some bike lanes exist, many segments force cyclists to “share” space with impatient drivers.

Pacific Highway Corridor (Old Town to Downtown)

Despite being a scenic stretch, the Pacific Highway poses challenges with inconsistent bike infrastructure and merging freeway ramps. Collisions with turning vehicles are common.

El Cajon Boulevard

Stretching from North Park through La Mesa, El Cajon Blvd. is a densely trafficked corridor with limited protected bike infrastructure. High speeds and limited cyclist visibility make it a known hazard zone.

Imperial Avenue (Southeast San Diego)

Cyclists riding in Southeast San Diego face disproportionate risks, with limited marked bike lanes, high rates of distracted driving, and inadequate lighting at night.

Friars Road

This wide, fast-moving roadway has limited shoulder space and few cyclist protections; near Mission Valley shopping centers and freeway interchanges, it’s a collision-prone stretch. These corridors are consistently flagged in San Diego bike accident statistics.

Why Are These Roads So Dangerous for Cyclists?

Cycling danger isn’t just about reckless drivers. It’s also about road design, city planning, and the lack of enforcement. Here’s what makes certain routes more hazardous than others:

Lack of Protected Bike Lanes

Many corridors labeled as “bike-friendly” offer only painted lanes with no actual physical barrier between cyclists and traffic. On high-speed roads, this does little to prevent sideswipes or “right hook” crashes when drivers turn across a bike lane.

Poor Visibility and Lighting

Low-light conditions and insufficient streetlamps reduce drivers’ ability to see cyclists, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.

Inadequate Maintenance

Potholes, uneven pavement, debris, or blocked bike lanes create major hazards for cyclists who can easily lose balance or be forced into traffic.

Who’s Liable When Cyclists Get Injured?

When a crash occurs, multiple parties may be liable, especially if unsafe infrastructure contributed to the incident. Here’s how liability can break down:

Motorist Responsibility

Drivers are legally required to:

• Yield to cyclists in bike lanes
• Pass at a safe distance (California’s “3 Feet for Safety Act”)
• Avoid distractions (texting, calling)
• Not obstruct or drive in bike lanes

If a driver violates any of these duties and causes a crash, they can be liable in a bike accident claim.

City or County Liability for Unsafe Roads

Municipalities can be held accountable if dangerous road conditions or negligent city planning contributed to a crash. For example:

• Poorly maintained bike lanes
• Unmarked intersections
• Faded or missing signage
• Failure to address known collision patterns

If the city of San Diego or another public agency failed to fix a known hazard, your attorney may pursue a government claim.

Note: Claims against public entities have a strict six-month filing deadline, so it’s important to act quickly.

What to Do If You’re Injured

If you’re hurt while riding on one of San Diego’s dangerous bicycle routes, take these steps to protect your health and legal claim:

Call 911 and Seek Medical Attention

Even if injuries seem minor, some—like brain trauma or internal damage—can appear later. Getting checked by medical professionals creates a record to support your claim.

File a Police Report

Ask officers to create an official report, especially if a driver was involved. This becomes a key part of your bike crash documentation.

Document the Scene

Take photos of:

• Road conditions (potholes, missing signs)
• Your injuries
• Damaged gear or bicycle
• The vehicle (if applicable)

Get Witness Information

Bystanders can help confirm what happened, especially if the crash involved a hit-and-run or road hazard.

Contact a San Diego Personal Injury Attorney

Cycling accidents often involve complex questions of fault, especially when poor infrastructure is involved. A skilled San Diego injury lawyer can help identify all liable parties, handle insurance negotiations, and build a strong case for full compensation.

What Types of Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured, you may be entitled to financial compensation for:

• Emergency medical treatment
• Surgeries and ongoing care
• Physical therapy or rehab
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage (bicycle, helmet, etc.)
• Emotional distress or PTSD
• Long-term disability

Reasons to Choose Eugene Bruno & Associates?

Not all law firms understand the unique challenges of bicycle injury claims. At Eugene Bruno & Associates, we do.

• Over 85 years of combined legal experience
• 99.7% success rate in personal injury cases
• Tens of millions recovered for injured victims
• Ranked among the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego
• Known for hands-on, compassionate representation

Speak With Our Experienced Bike Accident Lawyers in San Diego Today

Whether your crash involved a reckless driver or dangerous road design, Eugene Bruno & Associates is here to help. Call 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation with our San Diego bicycle accident attorneys.