In the UK, roughly 15% of the population, or about 9.3 million people, cycle regularly.
Over the years, this figure has continued to grow as more people have turned to cycling as a healthy, environment-friendly, and cost-effective means of transport.
However, cycling does not come without risks and without the protection of a vehicle, cyclists are at significant risk of injury in the event of a crash.
If you are a cyclist, it’s crucial to understand the common causes of bicycle accidents to help reduce your risk of injury on the road and know where to turn if you have been involved in an accident.
How common are bicycle accidents on the road?
According to the Department for Transport’s 2023 report, there were 14,999 reported pedal cyclist casualties, including 87 fatalities, 3,942 serious injuries, and 10,970 slight injuries.
Despite the number of fatalities decreasing over the years, bicycle accidents remain a significant concern on British roads, particularly in urban areas.
There are many benefits to cycling instead of driving or using public transport, but it does put cyclists in close proximity to fast-moving vehicles.
Whether you regularly cycle to work or enjoy the occasional bike ride when the weather is good, it’s important to know the causes of bicycle accidents to help you ride with greater awareness of the dangers around you.
What are the main causes of bicycle accidents?
One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents on British roads stems from drivers being distracted while operating their vehicles.
Whether they’re looking at their mobile phone (which 27% of UK drivers have admitted to being guilty of) or are not fully aware of their surroundings, this lack of awareness often leads to cyclists being injured.
Outside of that, other bicycle accidents causes include:
- Drivers or passengers opening the car door without checking the side mirrors for approaching cyclists
- Vehicles turning left or right across a cyclist’s path, usually at a junction or a roundabout
- Drivers failing to give way at junctions or, in many cases, overtaking cyclists without enough space to do so
- Roads with potholes or uneven surfaces causing cyclists to lose control of their bikes
- Drivers being unable to see cyclists either because they are obstructed by something or there is poor visibility due to the weather or darkness
How can cyclists reduce the risk of being involved in an accident?
Unfortunately, not all accidents can be avoided, but we urge all bike users, from regular riders to work to the occasional sunny day cyclists, to take proactive steps to remain safe on the road.
This can include the following measures:
- Wear high-visibility clothing at night and when the weather is bad
- Ensure that you follow the Highway Code and clearly signal at every turn
- Ride in a predictable pattern by avoiding weaving between cars and mounting pavements
- Stay alert when riding by not wearing headphones
- Be aware of doors opening as you are passing by vehicles
You cannot always anticipate the actions of other road users, but staying vigilant can significantly lower the chance of being involved in what could be a life-altering crash.
Have you been involved in a bicycle accident?
If you have been injured in a bicycle accident in the past three years as a result of another road user’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
To learn more about how our friendly team can assist you, feel free to visit our Cycling Accident Claims page, or get in touch today by calling us on 0151 256 7898.
Alternatively, you can send an email to enquiries@waferphillips.co.uk
