Following on from our support of The Times’ Cities Fit For Cycling Campaign, at Cycle Claims we are producing a ‘Cyclist’s Accident Card’.
In The Times’ manifesto, one of their key points is for the education of both cyclists and drivers so that everyone is aware of their rights and responsibilities on the road. This coincides with a previous suggestion to us by Carlton Reid, the executive editor of the popular cycling website Bikebiz.com. Reid was among a few cyclists, having been shown a bicyclist’s accident report card circulating in the States created by Boston lawyer Josh Zisson, to suggest that Cycle Claims should produce something similar for the UK cycling community. Because we are a well established personal injury firm and committed to providing independent legal advice, making a point of never buying in claims or selling them on, we are well placed to create this card as a means of providing sound advice to cyclists.
Our concerns over cycling safety meant we were already looking into how we could produce a source of safety advice for cyclists in the UK. After researching the idea of the card more, we realised that there was actually a significant gap in the market for some sort of cycling accident card in the UK. Although there were already several advice cards explaining ‘what to do in the event of an accident’ (most notably by the LFGSS forum member SkyDancer), we wanted to produce one that would provide cyclists with advice and the space to take down important information following a cycling accident whilst detailing the rights cyclists have when on the roads. This is a real problem in the UK, where drivers frequently see the road as their personal domain and can act with hostility towards cyclists.
We want cyclists and drivers to have a clear point of reference about what cyclists’ rights are on the road, which is why we have included a section on the Highway Code on the back of our card. James, one of our cycling experts, researched and identified four significant paragraphs within the Highway Code that apply to cyclist safety; paragraphs that a cyclist, in the event of an incident, could show to a driver to demonstrate that they are well within their rights to be cycling on the road. It is hoped that this will help to challenge common misconceptions about cycling and increase cyclists’ awareness of their rights whilst cycling on the roads, encouraging a safer cycling environment across the UK.
The Cycle Accident Card can be used in a variety of ways. Cyclists may use the card to record details of poor road conditions or cycling facilities to their local councils, encouraging local authorities to pay more attention to the needs of the cycling community and take active steps to improve road safety. The card could also be used to report dangerous and aggressive driving both to the police and to private companies. Predominantly, the card will serve as a guide for what information an injured cyclist should take note of when they have been involved in a cycling accident and will allow them to contact us for expert independent legal advice. It is our hope that the Cycle Accident Card will give cyclists some of the support they need on the roads, helping the UK to create British cities and towns that are truly fit for cycling.
Download a wallet-size version of our Cyclist Accident Report Card in PDF format.
The Times launched its Cities Fit For Cycling Campaign today, urging the government to implement practical measures that will reduce the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured on Britain’s roads and to build cities that are fit and safe for cycling. The campaign comes at a time when cycling is becoming increasingly popular across the UK (particularly with the upcoming Olympics), yet little is being done to improve safety measures for cyclists. Since 2001, 1275 cyclists have been killed in cycling accidents across Britain. The Times is calling for an end to such accidents and for the government to adopt its 8-point plan:
- Trucks entering a city centre should be required by law to fit censors, audible truck-turning alarms, extra mirrors and safety bars to stop cyclists being thrown under wheels.
- The 500 most dangerous road junctions must be identified, redesigned or fitted with priority traffic lights for cyclists and trixi mirrors that allow lorry drivers to see cyclists on their near-side.
- A national audit of cycling to find out how many people cycle in Britain and how cyclists are killed or injured should be held to underpin effective cycle safety.
- 2% of the Highways Agency budget should be earmarked for next generation cycle routes, providing £100 million a year towards world-class cycling infrastructure. Each year, cities should be graded on the quality of cycling provision.
- The training of cyclists and drivers must improve and cycle safety should become a core part of the driving test
- 20mph should become the default speed limit in residential areas where there are no cycle lanes
- Businesses should be invited to sponsor cycleways and cycling super-highways, mirroring the Barclays-backed bicycle hire scheme in London.
- Every city should appoint a cycling commissioner to push home reforms.[1]
If such steps are taken on board by the government and local authorities then this would be fantastic, creating a far safer environment for urban cyclists around the country. Some may think that the campaign, although worthy, will not in practice make that much of a difference to cyclists in Britain, and many people are wondering whether it is even possible to change the infrastructure of our cities to make them more cycle friendly. Below, we list some case studies to demonstrate that the goals set out by The Times are achievable and that they would have a significantly positive impact on cyclists.
Bristol:
In June 2008, Bristol was awarded the status of Britain’s first cycling city and received £11m from the Department of Transport to transform cycling in the city. Thanks to this funding, over the past 3 years cycling in Bristol has been transformed, with successful measures including:
- 36 separate infrastructure projects completed, dedicated to improving the road layout for cyclists.
- 200km of signed bike routes.
- Over 4000 new cycle spaces created across the city, including at railway stations and schools.
- Speed limits of 20mph in most city centre areas to reduce the chances of a cycling accident.[2]
Bristol Council has also introduced educational schemes across 55 schools in addition to adult education schemes at Bristol University and in the wider city. High profile cycling events are staged throughout the year to encourage people to get on their bikes, alongside business engagement schemes which provide sponsorship and funding for bicycle safety and maintenance equipment in addition to training sessions on how to maintain and repair bikes.lso introduced educational schemes across 55 schools in addition to adult education schemes at Bristol University and in the wider city. High profile cycling events are staged throughout the year to encourage people to get on their bikes, alongside business engagement schemes which provide sponsorship and funding for bicycle safety and maintenance equipment in addition to training sessions on how to maintain and repair bikes.
Funding for the project officially ended in March 2011, however Bristol Council is already looking at what the next phase could be for sustainable transport development across the area. The council has produced a series of cycle route maps across Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire and Somerset to encourage people to see cycling as a viable option and will be introducing more measures this year.
Not only have more and more people in Bristol taken up cycling, but the number of cycling accidents has also fallen dramatically. The new measures have reduced the number of serious cyclist injuries by 50%, with cycle accident numbers down even further in the new 20mph zones[3]. Hopefully as the years go on, Bristol will become an even safer and cycle-friendly city.
Other cities across the UK have long-established transport policies that favour cyclists, particularly Oxford, Cambridge and Exeter. Through a mixture of improving infrastructure, signage and training courses, cycle safety in these cities has dramatically increased over the last ten years. In Oxford alone, serious cycling accidents have been severely reduced, so much so that in 2009, there was one fatal cycling accident that year.
Britain still has a long way to go to catch up with the cycling cities of Europe, particularly Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Amsterdam local authorities have closed the majority of their streets to cars and discourage drivers by making parking fares expensive, ensuring that Amsterdam is one of the safest cities in the world for cyclists. On average, 7 cyclists are killed in Amsterdam every year[4]. Although one death is still one too many, if the British government follows the Amsterdam model and takes the steps recommended in The Times’ cycling campaign then we would be able to dramatically improve cycling in this country. As cities such as Bristol show, it is more than possible to achieve.
Choose the right bike
Choosing the right bike for the purpose plays an important part in the prevention of bike accidents. Riding a bike that is either to large or too small could impair your stability making an accident more likely.
Be aware
Cyclists have to keep their wits about them as the hazards they encounter are many and varied. These dangers include:
Other Road Users
Drivers are not always as observant as they should be, or are simply just inconsiderate, and most cyclists have tales to tell of vehicles driving out of side roads into their path, cutting them up or driving too close. Unfortunately, if cyclists want to avoid a bike accident in which they will undoubtedly come off worst, they have to be on their guard when riding in traffic and especially when approaching junctions, side roads or when using roundabouts.
Potholes and poorly maintained roads
Potholes pose a serious hazard to cyclists particularly in certain conditions when they may be difficult to see and therefore to avoid. Heavy rain or snow can fill a pothole making it invisible to cyclists and poor or missing street lighting can reduce visibility and increase the risk of having a bike accident.
Missing drain covers
As the price of scrap metal has soared, so too has the incidence of theft of manhole and drainage covers. If their theft goes unnoticed or they are not quickly replaced they present a danger to unwary cyclists particularly as they are usually sited in the part of the road most used by bikes.
Obstacles
Poor lighting at road works, barriers and signage left in the road as well as overhanging trees are hazards which cyclists have to contend with. Cycle paths, routes and roads should have sufficient headroom for bike riders and motorcyclists to pass under. Local councils and home and land owners should ensure that trees and shrubs are kept cut back.
Insurers Bureau (MIB) for compensation. The MIB, which was set up to compensate accident victims of untraced or uninsured drivers, made the award because the accident was caused by the negligence of an untraced driver and could have been preventable.
Diesel spilled on the road is extremely slippery and almost impossible to see especially when it is dark or the road is wet. Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable and more likely to be seriously or fatally injured if they loose control on slippery road surfaces but drivers of cars and cyclists can also make a claim if they suffer injury after skidding on a spillage.
Maintaining your bike
Ensuring your bike is safe to ride is a sure way of helping to prevent a bike accident. Maintaining a bike properly after regularly checking tyres, gears and brakes is a simple and cheap way to a better and safer ride.
To ensure that your bike is ready to to be ridden follow these ten easy steps
1. Pump your tyres until they are too hard to squeeze. This will make cycling easier and faster, and will also reduce the risk of punctures.
2. Have a quick look at your tyres before every ride. Replace worn or damaged tyres to avoid getting punctures.
3. Check your brakes. They should stop the wheel fully when you have pulled the lever only part of the way to the handlebars,
4. Check that your brakes don’t rub against the rim of the wheel. This will slow you down and make cycling harder.
5. Oil your chain regularly. If it squeaks or is brown it needs some oil. A properly oiled chain will help your gears shift smoothly.
6. Your bike should be pretty much silent. Squeaks, rattles and scraping noises suggest that something is in need of attention.
7. Prolong your bike’s life by keeping it under cover or preferably indoors when not in use.
8. Make sure that your seat is at the right height. Having it too low will make cycling hard work and may make your knees sore.
9. Make sure that your gears change smoothly. To adjust them correctly it is a good idea to get help from a professional.
10. Turn your bike upside down and check your wheels spin smoothly and sit securely in the sockets. If the wheel wobbles or doesn’t look like a perfect circle then you will need expert advice.
While in the UK there is currently no law making it compulsory for cyclists to wear safety helmets, it is still recommended by most experts. But does wearing a safety helmet actually prevent injury in the event of a bike accident on the road?
There is currently a debate in the UK over whether or not to make helmets compulsory for cycling on the road. The argument on the side of pro-compulsion is that the protection provided by a safety helmet, no matter how small, is better than none for a cyclist involved in an accident.
A cycle helmet will in most accidents prevent a serious head injury, but every accident is different and the outcome can never be judged. However, many bicycle helmets are not designed to cope with a collision with another vehicle travelling at high speed, which unfortunately is the biggest cause of death for cyclists.
Like all safety products, helmets have to be tested and pass certain standards before they can go on sale, however, many people are unaware that these standards are minimal. Cycle helmets are only designed and tested to withstand an impact equivalent to an average weight rider travelling at a speed of 12mph and falling onto a stationary object from a height of one metre. This kind of impact is the equivalent of a cyclist falling from his bike and hitting his head on the kerb.
It is vital that whichever safety helmet you choose to wear when cycling fits correctly as a badly fitted safety helmet will provide no protection in the event of a bike accident.
How do bicycle helmets work?
Bicycle safety helmets are manufactured from expanded foam polystyrene which is structurally rigid and can be moulded into virtually any shape. It is a material which is easy to damage by crushing because it contains a high number of tiny air pockets, which absorb energy. However, these are the reasons why it is an ideal material for bicycle helmets.
The reason for this is that in the event of accident a cyclists head may come into contact with a hard moving surface i.e. a car or the ground. A cycle helmet is designed to act in the same way as a car’s crumple zone. Every moving object has energy known as kinetic and this energy needs to be absorbed in order for the object to stop moving. The helmet acts as a barrier between the ground and the head and absorbs most of the energy.
Over recent years cycling has become a more popular mode of transportation in this country. More than 3.5 million bicycles were sold in the UK in 2007, a significant increase on the 2.8 million sold in the year 2000. As a result the cycle lane network in the UK is ever expanding to meet the demand and now covers more than 12,000 miles. With the average cost of purchasing a bike substantially lower than that of a car, and the average cost of maintaining it is just £75, it is easy to understand why cycling has become so popular during the current economic climate. But how likely are you to have a bike accident?
According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), 16,000 cyclists are killed or injured in reported bike accidents on the road in the UK every year. In 2007 13,361 cyclists were slightly injured in accidents, 2,428 were seriously injured and 136 died as a result of a bike accident.
These statistics show only those bike accidents that were reported. It is estimated that many other less serious accidents, especially those involving children are not reported. RoSPA estimates that between 60 per cent of all bike accidents go unreported, especially when it is a bicycle-only accident with no third-party involvement.
According to the statistics:
About one quarter of the cyclists killed or injured in a bike accident are children. The number of bike accidents in each year group increases as children grow older and usually peak at around 16 years. This reflects increased cycling as children attend secondary school and may also indicate riskier behaviour in this age group.
About 80 per cent of bike accident casualties are male. Men are more likely to suffer an injury while cycling which reflects the fact that more men cycle than women.
75 per cent of all bike accidents on roads occur at, or near a road junction. These are the most hazardous areas of the roads for cyclists. T-junctions are the most common place for a bike accident with another vehicle. Roundabouts are also very dangerous junctions for cyclists.
90 per cent of bike accidents occur in urban areas. This is because most cycling takes place on busy roads in towns and cities.
80 per cent of bike accidents occur during daylight. The most dangerous time for a cyclist to be on the road is during rush hour, between the hours of 8.00 to 9.00 am and 3.00 to 6.00 pm on weekdays. Unfortunately this is the time of day when most commuter cycling takes place. More bike accidents occur during the spring and summer months as the fair weather encourages commuters and holiday cyclists take to the roads. However, the casualty rate in terms of miles travelled is higher in the autumn and winter months, probably due to bad weather and poor visibility in these months.
Approximately 75 per cent of fatalities in bike accidents are due to major head injuries. This is why a safety helmet is always advised, although it is not yet compulsory in the UK.
While cycling on roads can be dangerous if the necessary safety guidelines and the law are not followed, there are more casualties and fatalities on the roads caused by other modes of transportation. The table below shows the types of transport along with the number of fatalities and serious injuries caused by accidents on the roads in the UK in 2006.
| Road User Type | Number Killed | Number Seriously Injured |
| Pedestrians | 675 | 6404 |
| Pedal Cyclists | 146 | 2296 |
| Motorcyclists and Passengers | 559 | 5885 |
| Car Drivers and Passengers | 1612 | 12642 |
| Bus/Coach Drivers and Passengers | 19 | 407 |
| LGV Drivers and Passengers | 52 | 511 |
| HGV Drivers and Passengers | 39 | 344 |
Cyclists who have been injured in a bike accident while riding on the road can make a claim for bike accident compensation against the person who was at fault. Even if they were partly at fault it may be possible to make a claim, although the amount of the award may be reduced accordingly. The specialist lawyers at Macks Solicitors are happy to give expert legal advice on claiming bike accident compensation to cyclists who have been injured on the road.
Speaking to one of Macks expert personal injury lawyers couldn’t be easier. Simply call Freephone 0800 980 9385 or complete the Online Claim Form on the website. Either way you will be put in touch with a solicitor who will be happy to discuss your bike accident with you and give you advice in clear and simple terms and without any obligation.
The best steps a cyclist can take to avoid being the victim of a bike accident on the roads of Britain is to be proactive in understanding and obeying the rules of the Highway Code. This will inform you of all the rules of the road and will advise you on what you should and shouldn’t do, in addition to explaining how different road users ought to behave towards one another on the road.
1. CLOTHING
You may choose to wear a cycle helmet, however, the wearing of cycle helmets is not compulsory in the UK. If you do, it is important to ensure the helmet conforms to industry standards, is the correct size and fitted securely.
As cycling is simply another method of travelling on the roads today, to insist that specialist clothing is required is bound to imply that it is more dangerous than other forms of transport and overall this is not particularly productive for encouraging cycling in the UK. That being said, a little common sense when choosing your cycling attire can make you more visible on the roads. It goes without saying that your clothes should be comfortable fitting and sensible, i.e. nothing that could risk becoming tangled in your wheels or chain, however, there are no rules against being fashionable on a bicycle – hence the famous Tweed Runs of London and New York!
If you are concerned about other road users not being able to see you whilst cycling on the road a simple measure you can take is to wear a brightly coloured cycling jacket during the day and reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) at night time or in the dark.
2. LIGHTS
When cycling in the dark, it is UK law for you to have white front and red rear lights lit at all times. Your bicycle must also be fitted with a red rear reflector and amber pedal reflectors. White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen in the dark. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lights use a steady front light.
3. CYCLE ROUTES AND OTHER FACILITIES
It is advisable for cyclists to make use of all specialist facilities for cycling available if it is safe to do so. Many cyclists may feel more secure in designated facilities, hoping that other road users will respect their “space”, however, use of these facilities is not compulsory and it is stated in the Highway Code that cyclists are entitled to use the road as any other vehicle and so should be allowed to do so by other road users – this will obviously depend on your experience, skills and confidence.
4. CYCLE TRACKS
These facilities are usually located away from roads, such as greenways, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Often, cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated, but there are occasions when they must effectively share the space. When cycling on segregated cycle tracks, you must keep to the side of the track that is designated for cyclists, as this will ensure that pedestrians using the footpath side of the track are able to travel without fear of a collision with a cyclist. Care must be taken when passing a pedestrian, especially if you are travelling at speed or passing children and elderly people; giving them space as you pass will reduce the chances of startling them - being passed by a larger, faster moving vehicle is certainly something a cyclist can empathise with.
5. CYCLE LANES
Cycle lanes are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway. It is advisable when using this facility to keep within the lines of the lane whilst practical, as road users passing you will expect you to do this. When leaving a cycle lane to enter the road for any reason, you must check that it is safe for you to pull out before doing so, signalling your intention clearly to other roads users that are present. Again the use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and if it is not safe to do so, such as occasions when there are vehicles blocking the lane, or the road surface is dangerous, you are completely right to make use of the road as any other vehicle would.
