Cycling is one of the great joys of life. It provides a feeling of freedom and dramatically benefits our physical and mental well-being. Considering this, it’s easy to see why no one wants to consider cycling accidents deeply. After all, wouldn’t that defeat the point of destressing on our bikes? 

Unfortunately, we’re not at the stage in the UK where cyclists can breathe easy on endless greenways. The roads are treacherous, and there are many dangers to watch out for.  Cycling accidents stem from various sources, with motor vehicle collisions being the predominant cause, often leading to severe personal injury and distress. 

In this blog, we’ll explore common scenarios, relevant statistics, and real-life case studies. Additionally, we’ll provide insights on navigating poor road conditions, preventing cyclist errors, and ensuring safety on shared pathways. We want to raise awareness, promote bicycle safety, and reduce injuries from cycling accidents. 

In-Depth Analysis of Motor Vehicle Collisions with Cyclists 

Motor vehicle collisions are a front-running cause of cycling accidents. The injuries sustained from these collisions can be life-threatening. That’s why we must understand the common scenarios to adopt preventative measures that will ensure safety on the road as cyclists. 

Common Scenarios

1.     Cars Turning Without Seeing Cyclists

Scenario: A common cause of a bicycle accident injury is when a driver turns right at the intersection without noticing a cyclist approaching from the opposite direction. This results in the standard side-impact collision.

Preventative Measure: As cyclists, we must anticipate driver behaviour at the intersection. Make sure to position yourself visibly in the lane and use hand signals to indicate your intentions. Always wear bright, reflective clothing to increase visibility and avoid this bicycle accident. 

2.     Rear-End Collisions 

Scenario: A motorist fails to maintain a safe distance behind a cyclist. This is most apparent in congested areas. This results in dangerous rear-end collisions, which put us cyclists at risk of grievous injury.

Preventative Measure: We can enhance our visibility by using reflective gear and ensuring our rear lights are functional. Cycling in the bike lane where we can, and if not, maintaining a solid riding pattern, can also help avoid this bike accident. To ensure traffic safety, it's crucial to account for reckless driving and distracted drivers in congested areas. 

3.     Dooring

Scenario: A motorist opens their car door suddenly, leading to a collision with an oncoming cyclist. This results in a dooring accident, which threatens severe injuries to the cyclist. 

Preventative Measure: While we should expect drivers to be educated about approaching cyclists before opening their doors, we can’t take this for granted. So, when cycling, we should safely distance ourselves from parked cars to avoid the “door zone.” 

Statistics 

According to the UK Government, motor vehicle collisions accounted for a significant portion of the 91 cyclist fatalities and 4,056 serious injuries reported in 2022.

Rear-end collisions and intersection accidents are the most common types of motor vehicle collisions involving cyclists. 

Case Studies

Here is a recent real-life example of the case in which we specialise in delivering results. 

What was the scenario?

In the summer of 2021, a City of London Foreign Exchange Trader referred to as Mr S, was cycling through the busy streets of London when he was involved in a severe accident. Despite not being visibly injured at first, the incident led to significant complications that would later impact his professional and personal life.

What did the motorist do?

The motorist involved in the accident made a dangerous and illegal u-turn on a London road, causing Mr S to collide with the road after being unable to avoid the vehicle. This reckless manoeuvre directly resulted in the accident.

What happened to the bicyclist?

Although Mr S initially appeared to be unharmed, refusing medical help at the scene and even cycling two miles home, he soon began experiencing concerning symptoms. His vision deteriorated, and he later suffered from dizziness, fatigue, and balance problems, all of which were symptoms of a head injury. These symptoms eventually affected his performance at work, leading to job loss and necessitating a career change.

What was the aftermath of the incident/success at the end?

The legal team at Cycle Legal took on Mr S's case, facing the challenge of proving the long-term impact of his head injury despite initial medical reports showing no structural damage. Through diligent work, including securing expert evidence from neurology and audiovestibular specialists, the team built a strong case. This resulted in a substantial six-figure settlement just before the three-year legal deadline, allowing Mr. S to move forward with his life and career while managing his condition.

How to Navigate Poor Road Conditions as a Cyclist 

Cyclist fatalities on UK roads make up around 6% of all road deaths.

This fatality rate is disproportionately high –30 cyclists die for every billion miles travelled, in comparison to just two car drivers.

Cyclists are also vulnerable on roads outside towns and cities. In recent years, more cyclists have been killed in collisions in rural areas in comparison with urban areas. 

Poor road conditions are significant, leading to severe accidents and injuries. Let’s look at some tips to identify and avoid these hazards.

Tips for Identifying Hazardous Road Conditions

1.     Potholes and Cracks:

o    Identification: Look for uneven surfaces, cracks, and potholes, especially in older roads or areas with heavy traffic.

o    Action: Report these conditions to local authorities using available reporting tools or apps. This will help pressure local councils to ensure timely repairs and safer roads.

2.     Wet or Slippery Surfaces:

o    Identification: Be cautious on roads after rain, near water sources, or in shaded areas where moss can grow. Wet leaves and oil spills can also create slippery surfaces.

o    Action: Use wider tyres with better grip and reduce your speed on wet surfaces to maintain control.

3.     Construction Zones and Debris:

o    Identification: Look for signs indicating construction zones and be alert for debris on the road, such as loose gravel or scattered tools.

o    Action: Slow down and navigate carefully around obstacles. If possible, plan your route to avoid these hazardous construction areas

Avoiding Hazardous Conditions:

• Plan Routes: Use cycling apps and maps to plan routes that avoid known problem areas. One example of this is Bikemap.
• Appropriate Gear: Equip your bike with suitable tyres and suspension to handle rough terrains and ensure regular maintenance.
• Visibility: Enhance your visibility with proper lighting and reflective gear, especially in low-light conditions.

 

Understanding and Preventing Cyclist Errors 

Nobody’s perfect. We all make mistakes. While there is so much to watch out for externally on our bikes, we must also be mindful of our cycling. Lapses in concentration, unnecessary risk-taking, and lack of control can all lead to cycling accidents. So, let’s see how we can improve our safety on the road. 

Common Cyclist Errors:

1.     Inexperience or Lack of Skills:

o    Error: Improper braking, poor navigation in traffic, and an inability to anticipate road hazards can all lead to us landing in some sticky situations. 

o    Prevention: Take cycling safety courses local cycling clubs or organisations offer. Practice riding in different traffic conditions to gain experience and confidence. Cycle with an experienced cyclist who can teach you the best practices and give you confidence. 

2.     Not Following Traffic Laws:

o    Error: Running red lights, riding against traffic, and not yielding when required. These are silly things to do, putting us and others at risk. 

o    Prevention: The good news is it’s easily preventable. Adhere strictly to traffic laws and signals. Treat yourself as a vehicle on the road, following the same rules as motor vehicles to ensure safety. An unfair stigma is already placed on cyclist road users; don’t add fuel to that fire. 

3.     Distracted Cycling:

o    Error: We must ensure all our senses are active as we cycle. Using phones, listening to music with headphones, and other distractions reduce awareness. 

o    Prevention: Stay focused and eliminate distractions. Keep your eyes and ears open - and on alert. Doing so will keep you safe.

Educational Resources:

• Local Cycling Clubs: The many clubs offer workshops and safety courses to help cyclists improve their skills.
• Online Tutorials: Numerous online resources provide videos and guides on safe cycling practices. YouTube never fails here! 
• Cycle with Experienced Cyclists: Do you lack some confidence or are unsure of your knowledge? Cycle with experienced road users to learn best practices and gain real-life confidence from your friends and family who cycle daily. 

Cyclist and Pedestrian Safety on Shared Paths

Shared paths can be a source of accidents if cyclists and pedestrians do not navigate them carefully. It’s our responsibility to maintain safe speeds to factor in any unforeseen circumstances. 

Here are some guidelines to ensure mutual safety and respect.

Practical Advice:

• Use Designated Bike Lanes: Use bike lanes to avoid conflicts with pedestrians where available.
• Communicate Clearly: Use hand signals and verbal warnings to indicate your movements.
• Be Cautious in Crowded Areas: Slow down and be extra vigilant in crowded areas or during low visibility conditions.

It’s crucial to know these common cycling accidents to enhance awareness, promote safe cycling practices, and ultimately reduce the occurrence of bike accidents that can cause severe injury. 

 You're not alone if you or someone you know has been affected by a cycling accident. We’re the UK’s first and only law firm specialised solely in dealing with cycling injuries. As fellow cyclists, we’re passionate about cycling and want to do our best for you. Call 0203 735 9652 or email us at [email protected] for someone to talk to about your case.