Lack of Daylighting at Intersections Can Cause Bicycle Accidents

What Is Daylighting

When a motorist is approaching an intersection, the motorist’s view of a bicyclist approaching on the cross street can be obscured by parked cars and trucks, utility boxes and trees. Likewise, these items may obscure the bike rider’s view of the approaching vehicle.  This safety issue is known as lack of daylighting.  “Daylighting” is a safety measure that increases visibility of approaching vehicles, bicyclists and pedestrians by removing visual obstructions near an intersection.  It clears away visual obstacles, thereby improving safety.

How to Achieve Daylighting

To increase the visual field for motorists pulling up to an intersection, as well as for pedestrians, bicyclists and scooter riders, any obstructions which impair sightlines of what’s approaching on the cross street need to be removed. 

The biggest daylighting impairment is cars and trucks parked close to the corner of an intersection. The remedy is to convert parking spaces immediately before a crosswalk into a red zone – no parking or stopping.  Doing so will give motorists a clearer view of the intersection and will allow them to see an approaching bicyclist, pedestrian or scooter rider before the motorist gets to the intersection.   

If daylighting is achieved at an intersection, a pedestrian won’t have to venture into the street to peek around parked or double-parked cars and trucks to see if it’s safe to cross.