Cycling has always been a fairly popular form of exercise, and now, with many employers offering cycle-to-work schemes, it’s gaining traction as a form of commuting to work. There are many health benefits that can be associated with cycling, such as improved muscle tone and improved cardiovascular function, but, unfortunately, cyclists are also prone to very serious injuries if they are involved in an accident.
This post looks at some of the most common causes of cycling accidents. As you continue reading, you’ll find out what steps you can take to prevent some cycling accidents and some useful safety tips to keep yourself and other road users safe. While there are simply some cycling accidents that can’t be avoided, we aim to help you avoid some of the most common.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Although the Highway Code introduced a hierarchy of road users in 2022 to protect cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians, cyclists continue to be hit by motor vehicles. Some of the reasons why these incidents occur include:
- Vehicles turning left when there is a cyclist alongside. These accidents can sometimes occur when cyclists are in the vehicle’s blind spot.
- Cars pulling out in front of cyclists at a junction on a road or roundabout. This type of accident can happen if a car driver doesn’t spot the cyclist or misjudges the amount of time that they have to pull out.
- Vehicles overtaking without leaving cyclists enough space. Although the new rules of the Highway Code aim to stop this, cyclists can find themselves in precarious positions when being overtaken, especially on narrower roads.
- Careless driving. Where a driver fails to spot a cyclist because they don’t use their mirrors, are using their mobile phone or are distracted by their satnav.
- Aggressive and dangerous driving, such as when a driver is affected by road rage, is speeding, or is over the drink or drug-drive limits.
There are, of course, times when cyclists can be responsible for road traffic accidents because they don’t follow the rules of the road (jumping red lights, riding on footpaths, etc).
As a cyclist, you can try to reduce the risk of being injured in an RTA by making yourself as visible as possible by wearing fluorescent clothing, using lights where needed and making clear hand signals so other road users are aware of your intentions.
Road Hazards & Poor Infrastructure
Road defects are another cause of cycling accidents in the UK. The following hazards could all lead to a cycling accident and serious injuries:
- Potholes, sinkholes and uneven surfaces. While most cyclists would appreciate cycling routes that have perfect tarmac surfaces, that’s absolutely not the case. Potholes, for example, can appear out of nowhere, so even if you cycle a certain route every day, you could be caught out, especially if a pothole is filled with rainwater or when riding in the dark.
- Debris on the road. Anything that comes into contact with your bike’s wheels while you’re riding can cause you to skid and fall off. For example, loose gravel can reduce the amount of contact you have with the road, wet leaves can make the road slippery, and dried mud from farms can cause uneven surfaces.
- Poorly designed or maintained cycle lanes. Cyclists can be involved in accidents with pedestrians and other cyclists when the route has been poorly designed or laid out, e.g. if rights of way are not clear. Also, if a cycle route is not inspected regularly, potholes and other hazards can develop.
The best way to avoid these common causes of cycling accidents is to be on the lookout for potential hazards in front of you at all times. Also, if you’re riding in the dark, ensure your bike is fitted with good lights to keep the route ahead illuminated.
Cyclist Error & Lack Of Experience
As mentioned earlier, cycling accidents can be caused by cyclists! One of the ways this can happen is if the cyclist doesn’t understand the rules of the road that they are riding on. For example, if a cyclist fails to yield at a giveway line, they could be struck by a car while crossing a junction.
Another common cause of cycling accidents is when cyclists lose control of their bikes, perhaps because they had to brake suddenly or when trying to make a manoeuvre that their bike is not suited for, e.g. dropping off a high kerb when riding a racing bike with very thin tyres.
Cycling proficiency courses, while voluntary, can be a great way to ensure that you know the rules of the road and how to carry out manoeuvres as safely as possible. Another tip to help you keep control of your bicycle is to ride at a safe speed at all times, especially when riding in adverse weather conditions.
Weather Conditions
Moving on from the last point, adverse weather can be a common cause of cycling accidents, especially in the UK, where it’s possible to encounter four seasons in one day.
Rain and wet roads are probably one of the most common causes of cycling accidents, and they can lead to significant amounts of pain and suffering. For example, it is very easy to fall off your bike if the road you’re riding on is wet. These types of accidents can lead to broken bones, head injuries, joint injuries, cuts, bruises and lacerations.
A strong gust of wind could also cause you to come off your bike or be blown into the path of cars or other vehicles, so this is something you should also be aware of.
Inadequate lighting can also cause cycling accidents, even if your bike has been fitted with bright lights. If you are riding in cloudy conditions, you might not be able to see road defects that would normally be visible on sunnier days.
A good tip for any cyclist is to check the weather forecast before setting out on your ride and ensure that a) your bike is set up accordingly, and b) you have the right clothing to help you deal with any inclement weather.
Collisions With Pedestrians
Cyclists and pedestrians often share the same parts of the road with dual cycle and pedestrian lanes installed on some paths. Pedestrians can also be a hazard to cyclists when crossing the road or if they are distracted by their mobile phones while in built-up areas. Children appearing from between or from behind parked vehicles can also pose a risk.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to slow down when riding up to a junction, zebra crossing or when entering or leaving a cycle lane. Even if you cannot see a pedestrian up ahead, it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open and slow down in dangerous areas. Also, cyclists should not ride on footpaths or jump red lights, as these types of actions will always increase the risk of cycling accidents involving pedestrians.
Dooring Accidents
Dooring accidents may not be a term you’ve heard of unless you or somebody you know has been knocked off their bike by a driver or passenger opening a car door right in front of you.
While drivers have a duty of care to try and protect all road users by checking the road before opening their vehicle’s door, cyclists can leave extra room when passing parked cars, especially in busy streets or where they have just seen a car pull into a parking space.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we’ve looked at how you can prevent some of the most common reasons for cycling accidents. Generally, making yourself as visible as possible, riding within the rules of the road and using good hand signalling can help to avoid many types of cycling accidents.
Additionally, wearing the right protective cycling gear can help to reduce the level of injury if an accident does happen. For example, without a cycling helmet, a cyclist could sustain serious brain and head injuries even in low-speed accidents. Covering your legs and arms properly can help prevent road rash if you do come off your bike.
Something to bear in mind is that if you are knocked off your bike and injured in an accident caused by another road user’s negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Therefore, if you’d like to know more, please refer to our guide to bicycle accident claims. We offer free advice on your case, and a No Win No Fee service if a claim is taken on.