Contents
What are common cycling accident scenarios?
Vehicles turning across cycle lanes
Drivers failing to check for cyclists when turning left or right, particularly at junctions and traffic lights. Cycle lanes offer limited protection when drivers don't look.
Dooring incidents
Car occupants opening doors without checking mirrors, causing cyclists to collide with the door or swerve into traffic. Common on busy Glasgow streets with parked cars.
Potholes or uneven surfaces
Road defects causing cyclists to lose control, fall, or damage their bikes. Glasgow's road maintenance issues pose particular risks to cyclists.
Collisions at roundabouts or junctions
Drivers cutting across cyclists at roundabouts, failing to give way, or misjudging speed and distance. Junction design often doesn't prioritise cyclist safety.
Close passing
Vehicles overtaking without leaving sufficient space (Highway Code recommends 1.5 metres minimum), causing cyclists to wobble or fall.
Defective cycle path infrastructure
Poorly maintained cycle paths, sudden endings, unclear markings, or obstacles that force cyclists into traffic or cause falls.
Rear-end collisions
Vehicles failing to stop in time when cyclists slow or stop, often due to driver inattention or following too closely.
What evidence helps with a cycling claim?
Helmet camera footage
Video evidence is extremely valuable as it shows exactly what happened from the cyclist's perspective. Many cycling claims succeed or fail based on camera evidence.
Witness details
Names, phone numbers, and addresses of people who saw the accident. Independent witnesses are particularly credible.
Photos of road conditions
Pictures of the scene, road surface, potholes, cycle lane layout, signage, weather conditions, and lighting. Use a coin or ruler for scale with defects.
Medical records
A&E notes, GP records, physiotherapy reports, X-rays, and any ongoing treatment documentation. Seek medical attention immediately even if injuries seem minor.
Bicycle damage
Photos of damage to your bike before repairs. Keep the damaged bike or components if possible. Repair estimates or invoices.
Clothing and helmet
Don't wash or discard damaged clothing or helmet. Damage patterns help demonstrate impact severity and can prove you were wearing safety equipment.
Police report
Incident reference number and any statements taken. Police may not always attend, but report if possible.
GPS/cycling app data
Strava, Garmin, or similar apps can show your route, speed, and exact location at the time of the accident.
What are the time limits for cycling accident claims?
Generally 3 years from the accident, or from the age of 16 for children.
Key points:
- Adults: 3 years from the date of the accident.
- Children: Claims can be made until their 19th birthday (3 years from age 16).
- Late discovery: If injuries weren't immediately apparent, time may run from when you reasonably became aware.
- Council claims: Shorter notice periods may apply for claims against local authorities - act quickly.
Don't delay: Evidence degrades over time. CCTV is overwritten, witnesses forget details, and road conditions change.
Can councils be held liable for poor roads?
Yes, if defects fail to meet maintenance standards. Claims must be supported by photos and measurements.
Glasgow City Council has a duty to maintain roads and cycle paths to a safe standard. However, they have defences:
- Inspection regime: Council may argue they inspected the road regularly and the defect wasn't apparent.
- Size and depth thresholds: Some councils only repair defects over certain sizes (e.g. 40mm deep).
- Recent occurrence: If the defect only just appeared, the council may not have had reasonable time to fix it.
Strengthening your council claim:
- Photograph defect with ruler/coin for scale - capture depth, width, and length.
- Note exact location (GPS coordinates or precise address).
- Report to council immediately via their online portal - keep the reference number.
- Check if others have reported it previously (Freedom of Information request).
- Photograph wider context - is it in a cycle lane? On a busy route?
- Document any faded road markings or missing signage contributing to the accident.
Council claims can be complex. They often defend robustly and have detailed records of inspections. Early legal advice is recommended.
What injuries do cyclists commonly suffer?
- Head injuries: Even with helmets - concussion, skull fractures, brain injuries.
- Fractures: Collarbone, wrists, arms, legs, ribs - from impact or fall.
- Soft tissue damage: Whiplash, ligament tears, muscle strains.
- Road rash: Skin abrasions from sliding on tarmac.
- Dental injuries: Broken or lost teeth from facial impact.
- Spinal injuries: Back and neck damage, potentially serious.
- Psychological trauma: Anxiety about cycling again, PTSD, depression.
Cyclists are vulnerable road users. Injuries are often more severe than in car accidents due to lack of protection.
What compensation can I claim?
Injury compensation
For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity. Assessed based on injury severity and recovery time.
Bicycle damage/replacement
Repair costs or replacement value if written off. Includes accessories and specialist equipment.
Lost earnings
Time off work, reduced hours, or lost future earning capacity if unable to return to your role.
Medical expenses
Private treatment, physiotherapy, dental work, prescriptions, medical equipment.
Travel costs
Taxis, public transport, or mileage while unable to cycle.
Damaged clothing and equipment
Helmet, cycling shoes, clothing, lights, panniers, GPS devices.
Care and assistance
If injuries require help with daily tasks or household duties.