Cycling has become increasingly popular across Britain over the past few years. With more and more people travelling to work by bike every day, cycling is quickly becoming a major feature on Britain’s roads. Unfortunately, this increased popularity is also leading to a larger number of bike accidents. Where other types of vehicle, such as cars and motorcycles, have actually witnessed a decrease in road accidents, (in 2010 alone, the amount of car accidents fell by 21%), cyclist accidents and fatalities rose by 7% between 2010 and 2011. It is therefore vital that all cyclists take precautions and take cycle safety seriously.
There are many different types of cycle accidents occurring on a daily basis. Collisions with another vehicle present one of the greatest risks to cyclists, closely followed by accidents caused by inadequate road surfaces. The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents estimates that on average, sixteen thousand cyclists are killed or injured in bike accidents; the actual figure, however, could be even greater as not all accidents are reported. Whether cycling in a busy city or on quiet country roads, it is vital for people to be aware of cycle safety and what they can do to reduce the risks on the road.
Although certain problems that can lead to bike accidents are the responsibility of the local authorities (for example, maintaining road surfaces and repairing potholes), there are still many things that individual cyclists can do to improve cycle safety. First and foremost is the wearing of safety helmets. Although this is not compulsory by law, it is still generally advised that cyclists wear a helmet at all times. Given that 75% of cycling fatalities are due to severe head injuries, helmets can be a life-saving device. The dangers of cycling at night and in the winter weather can be met by wearing fluorescent clothing so that the cyclist is clearly visible to other drivers. Front and rear bike lights must also be used at all times, in addition to a rear reflector. Taking these simple steps will help to guarantee your safety and reduce the likelihood of bike accidents.
It is important that all cyclists are aware of the rules of the road: below you will find a section on the Highway Code and how this applies to cyclists. The more you understand about cycle safety, the more protected you will be on the roads.
Taking precautions whilst cycling is always extremely important, and it will reduce the chances of a bike accident occurring. Unfortunately, it will never entirely eliminate the possibility of accidents. Whilst it is very important to take the appropriate cycle safety measures, if you are involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault it is equally important that you report it and see if you are eligible to make a cycle claim. Indeed, the more precautions you take on the road, the stronger your case will be if you do make a claim. Particularly if an accident was caused by poor road surfaces, making a claim can increase cycle safety even further by prompting local councils to take action and pay more attention to maintaining roads and making them more cycle-friendly.
The articles below will go into more detail about different cycle safety tips, ensuring that you are well prepared for the road. Rest assured that, if the worst does happen, here at Macks Solicitors we will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve.
The Times Cities Fit For Cycling Campaign – A Welcome Initiative
The Times newspaper has just launched its Cities Fit For Cycling Campaign, aiming to reduce the number of cycling accidents that happen every year across the UK and make our cities more cycle-friendly. They have created an 8-part proposal for the government and local authorities to follow so that urban cycling can become safer. We examine how safer cycling initiatives in cities such as Bristol, Oxford and Amsterdam have worked and how successful they have been in reducing cyclist accident numbers. It is hoped that The Times’ campaign will help to spearhead revolutionary new cycle safety measures.
Cycle safety awareness and bike accident prevention
Cyclists partake in a safe and healthy activity, however, here we take some time to look at the issues affecting cyclists using Britain’s roads, and discuss how you can increase cycle safety, your awareness of the road and how you can take steps to reduce your chances of being involved in a bike accident whilst cycling.
Cycle Safety Helmets – Can they really save lives?
The issue of whether to wear a helmet or not whilst cycling is certainly a loaded one, with huge debate on either side. There is no mandatory cycle safety helmet law in the UK, and for the most part we seem to be a pro-choice nation, albeit our medical profession seems to communicate relatively pro-helmet sentiments. So we ask, what are the facts and fiction of cycle helmets?
Cycle safety: how likely are you to have a bike accident?
In anticipation of this year’s Olympic Games, cycling in Britain is hoped to sky rocket in popularity, with more and more people predicted to get on their bikes and take to the road, we ask, what will this increase mean for cycle safety? Here we discuss how likely cyclists are to have a bike accident in the UK today.
Cycle safety on the road: The Highway Code
There are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being injured in a cycle accident. Cycle safety is dealt with in The Highway Code and there are regulations for both cyclists and motorists to follow which aim to increase safety for all on the roads and we discuss a few of these points here.
