Salmon Cycling: Why Riding Against Traffic Is Dangerous
Riding against traffic (salmoning) dramatically increases accident risk. Learn why and the legal consequences.
2023-10-12 • 4 min read
wrong waysalmonsafety
"Salmon cycling"—riding against traffic—feels safer to some cyclists but is actually one of the most dangerous behaviors.• Seems like shorter route • Avoiding certain intersections • Not understanding traffic laws • May be found partially at fault • In contributory negligence states, could bar all recovery • Reduces settlement value
Why Cyclists Salmon
- Feels safer to see oncoming cars
Why It's So Dangerous
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Closing Speed A cyclist at 15 mph + car at 35 mph = 50 mph closing speed. Same direction = only 20 mph speed differential.
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Driver Expectations Drivers look for traffic going the correct direction. They don't expect bikes coming toward them.
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Intersection Danger Drivers turning right look left for traffic. A salmon cyclist comes from the right—unseen.
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Statistics Wrong-way riding is involved in 25% of car-bike collisions.
Legal Consequences
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Traffic Violation Most states require riding with traffic flow.
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Liability Impact If salmoning contributes to accident:
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