Biking in Lynn and across the North Shore is becoming more practical, more visible, and, in many places, more enjoyable.
As a rider, I love seeing that.
The Northern Strand Trail has already changed the way many people think about getting around. New bike lanes and better connections are helping riders, commuters, families, and visitors see biking as a real option, not just a weekend activity.
In Lynn, the downtown extension on Market Street and the Lynnway have even earned national recognition as examples of bike infrastructure that does more than move people from one place to another. These projects can improve safety, support public transit, add green space, manage stormwater, and make streets feel more welcoming.
That kind of progress is worth celebrating.
It also raises an important question: as biking becomes more common, how do we make sure safety keeps pace?
As a Rider, I Think About Safety Differently
Most conversations about bicycle safety start with the rider.
Wear a helmet. Use lights. Follow the law. Signal your turns. Stay alert.
All of that matters. I think about those things too.
But when I ride, I also think about the parts of safety that are harder to put on a checklist.
Can the driver turning ahead of me see me?
Is this bike lane going to continue, or will it disappear right where traffic gets heavier?
Am I far enough away from parked cars?
Is this intersection designed in a way that gives everyone enough time and space to react?
Will the driver behind me understand why I need to take the lane for a moment?
A cyclist can do many things right and still be vulnerable. A rider can be visible, predictable, and careful, and still be missed by a driver who is turning, passing, opening a car door, pulling out of a driveway, or changing lanes.
After crashes, we often hear the same explanation:
“I didn’t see the bike.”
That statement may be honest. But it also points to the larger issue. Bicycle safety is not just about whether the cyclist was there to be seen. It is also about whether drivers are expecting cyclists, looking carefully, and leaving enough room.
As bike access improves in Lynn and across the North Shore, the roads are changing. The habits around those roads need to change too.
Infrastructure Helps, But It Does Not Eliminate Risk
A protected bike lane, trail, or separated path can make riding feel safer and more accessible. That is one reason these improvements matter so much.
But cyclists still need to navigate the places where conditions change.
A quiet path may lead to a busy intersection. A separated lane may end near a commercial area. A comfortable route may suddenly require a rider to cross traffic, merge with vehicles, or ride near parked cars.
Those transition points matter.
As a rider, I pay attention to those moments. Sometimes the safest choice is not the shortest route. It may be the route with a better crossing, a calmer street, a protected lane, or a little more room to make decisions.
That is especially true around intersections, driveways, ferry access points, construction areas, commercial corridors, and roads where drivers may not be used to seeing bicycles.
For drivers, it means recognizing that more people are biking, and that they have a right to be there. A bicycle may be smaller than a car, but the person riding it needs space, attention, and time to move safely.
Better bike infrastructure is not just an invitation for more people to ride. It is an invitation for everyone to pay more attention.
If a Bicycle Accident Happens
No one gets on a bike expecting to be in a crash. But if one happens, the next steps can matter.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Get medical attention.
Even if you think you are okay, adrenaline can hide pain, and some injuries become more obvious later.
Call the police.
Make sure the crash is documented. A police report can help preserve important details about the driver, location, witnesses, and circumstances.
Take photos if you can.
Photograph the bike, the vehicle, the road, the intersection, traffic signs, lane markings, lighting conditions, your injuries, your helmet, your clothing, and any damaged gear.
Get witness information.
Ask for names and contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
Save your bike and gear.
Do not repair or throw away the bike, helmet, clothing, or damaged equipment right away. The damage may help show how the crash occurred.
Do not rush to say you are fine.
It is natural to minimize what happened, especially if you are shaken up. But saying “I’m fine” too quickly can create problems if symptoms develop later.
Be careful with insurance conversations.
Before giving a recorded statement or accepting a quick settlement, make sure you understand the extent of your injuries and your options.
Consider speaking with an attorney.
This is especially important if you were injured, fault is disputed, the driver left the scene, a commercial vehicle was involved, or unsafe road conditions may have played a role.
Biking in Lynn and the North Shore is getting better. That is something to welcome.
As a rider, I want more people to feel comfortable getting on a bike. As an attorney, I also know that when crashes happen, the details matter.
More bike lanes can help. Better routes can help. Safer habits can help.
But the real goal is bigger than getting more people on bikes. It is helping more people get where they are going safely.
Attorney Mark S. Horrigan represents cyclists and others injured in roadway accidents, drawing on extensive trial experience and a deep understanding of how insurance companies evaluate and defend claims. Having handled personal injury cases from both sides, he knows how to identify fault, challenge unfair assumptions, and build a strong case for injured riders.
