Roads can be a dangerous place for cyclists but there are steps that you can take to protect yourself from cycle accidents. The most important step is to make sure you are as visible as possible. This may mean wearing fluorescent or reflective clothing or attaching reflective accessories to your bike. You should also make sure that you have lights and reflectors on your bike, especially when travelling at night and you should be aware of your positioning on the road; cycling right next to a vehicle may mean that you are placing yourself in their ‘blind spot.’ Think about where in the road you can position yourself so that you are seen but also able to travel safely.
You should know the rules in the Highway Code regarding cyclists and stick to cycle lanes where you can. Try not to cycle on pavements; pedestrians won’t expect to see you there and if you need to cross the road, cars may not have seen you. When a cycle lane is blocked by parked cars, it is better to cycle in a straight line in the road than weave in and out of cars. If you do cycle in a cycle lane, be wary of cars turning across the cycle lane into a junction or stopping and opening their doors suddenly without looking properly. Try to make eye contact with drivers to make sure they’ve seen you and in areas where there is a risk of a cycle accident, it is a good idea to cycle slowly enough that you would be able to stop suddenly if you needed to.
You may want to choose routes with better provision for cyclists. If you know a route is full of parked cars and there isn’t much space, why not check if there is a similar route that is better suited to cyclists?
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a cycle accident, stay calm. Seek medical help if you need it. Even if you have minor injuries, speak to your GP as soon as possible so that any injuries can be looked at. If there was a vehicle involved in the cycle accident, try to get the registration number and insurance details and the name and address of the driver. Also get the details of any witnesses. If the cycle accident was caused by a road defect, try and get photographic evidence. Make sure you have documented any damage to your bike before you get it repaired.
It is a good idea to speak to a solicitor whilst the details of the cycle accident are still fresh in your mind. Make sure the solicitor you choose has experience in this area and a good track record of successful cycle accident compensation claims. A good solicitor will pursue the detailed evidence and witness statements that you will need for a successful case and will discuss your case openly with you without pressurising you. If you decide to submit a claim for compensation, the amount you receive will depend on the level of blame and the losses incurred.
Macks are experts in cycle accident compensation claims. We are available to speak to you about the details of your case and the possibility of submitting a claim for compensation. A compensation payment could help pay for repairs to your bike or a new bike, if you need one or any other expenses or losses you may have incurred.
Cycle Accident Advice in Hull
Hull is a great city for cycling in and has the fifth highest level of cycling participation in the UK. Due to its flat terrain and improving cycling culture, Hull City Council has made great efforts to further encourage cycling in the city through the provision of quality cycle routes and the Hull Cycle Map.
Cycle Accident Advice in Colchester
Colchester is well linked to two popular National Cycle Network routes and hosts a varied selection of pleasant leisure routes through its many parks and green spaces. Since 2008, after being awarded Cycling Town status, Colchester has made vast improvements to its cycling infrastructure, with the addition of new routes and facilities.
Cycle Accident Advice in Liverpool
There are many great cycle routes in and around Liverpool and cycling levels have increased by 14.3% since 2006. One of the most popular routes is the Liverpool Loop line which follows an abandoned railway line. However, there are many hazards for cyclists in Liverpool. Some roads get very busy and drivers often do not leave enough room when passing cyclists. Other roads have potholes which can cause cyclists to swerve or fall from their bike. If you have been involved in a cycle accident in Liverpool, Macks Solicitors may be able to help you submit a claim for compensation.
Cycle Accident Advice in Sheffield
Sheffield may be hilly but there are plenty of benefits for the adventurous cyclist and picturesque countryside cycle routes nearby. The ‘Pedal Peak District’ project aims to increase cycling levels in the Peak District and a new cycle route between Bakewell and Buxton is due to open this year. There are some problem areas for cycling in Sheffield, including Ecclesall Road and Penistone Road, where the cycle lanes are poor quality. The tram lines also provide a hazard for cyclists as the surface can be slippery. If you have had a cycle accident, Macks Solicitors may be able to help.
Cycle Accident Advice in Preston
Preston was awarded City Status in 2002 and that same year two miles of new cycle route along the Ribble Link opened to cyclists. Being well linked to Sustrans routes and in close proximity of quality countryside cycling, it is understandable that, since being named a city, cycling has significantly risen in popularity in Preston – with a higher percentage of people choosing to cycle for both leisure and commuter purposes. Unfortunately, this has led to more cycle accidents occurring. Cyclists who are involved in cycle accidents should speak to an experienced solicitor about what steps they can take next.
Cycle Accident Advice in Blackpool
There is a wide selection of pleasant cycle routes for all abilities to enjoy the rich and varied landscape of Blackpool. Since being named a Cycling Town in 2008, Blackpool has more cyclists and the amount of people generally participating in physical activity has seen a positive increase. With funding from Cycling England, Blackpool Council has maintained a cycling culture in the town, for both residents and tourists. To navigate on-road routes in the town, cyclists need to be confident when cycling in traffic and are often wary of on-road dangers such as potholes and other roads users’ selfish driving.
Cycle Accident Advice in Stoke-on-Trent
As a seemingly unsuitable city for cycling, due to its hilly terrain and busy roads, Stoke-on-Trent has thrived since being named a Cycling City back in 2008. With a beautiful network of greenways and links to the Peak District, Stoke-on-Trent now has over 160 kilometres of cycle route running through the city. Staffordshire County Council is committed to reducing cycle casualties in the area and provides free Bikeability safety training to many schoolchildren. If you have been involved in a cycle accident in the Stoke-on-Trent area, the cycle accident experts at Macks Solicitors can help you make a claim for compensation.
Cycle Accident Advice in Derby
Derby boasts links to various cycle routes and stunning countryside. As a Cycling City connected to quality Sustrans routes, it has received funding from Cycle England, allowing the local council to provide excellent resources for its cycling community whilst making improvements to its cycle route network. As cycle safety on the roads is a priority for the cycling organisations in Derby, it is surprising to learn that cycle accidents in Derby are all too common. If you are the victim of a cycle accident do not delay in seeking professional legal advice on your right to make a compensation claim.
Cycle Accident Advice in Chester
Chester is located in North Western Cheshire on the River Dee and is ideally situated close to a variety of cycle routes, such as National Cycle Network routes 5 and 56. Chester’s Cycling Campaign has been working with the local council to promote cycling in the city, and hopes to double the amount of cyclists in Chester, through improvements to the city’s existing cycle network. Additionally, funding from Cycle England has provided residents who cycle in the city with Bikeability training – a national cycling awareness scheme. Speak to a professional solicitor if you have been injured in a cycle accident.
Cycle Accident Advice in Newcastle
Every day, cyclists navigate the busy streets of Newcastle. There are several problem areas where traffic is dangerously fast moving or where cars are often found parked in cycle lanes. However, there are also some great cycle paths and the surrounding countryside has many miles of beautiful cycle routes, some of which run across the country. Unfortunately, accidents do happen. If you have been involved in a cycle accident in Newcastle, Macks Solicitors can give you advice about making a claim for compensation, which could help pay for repairs to your bike or for a replacement.
