Petrol too pricey? Follow these tips for safer cycling

Rising petrol prices are tempting more and more of us out of the car and on to bicycles instead, according to sales figures from leading bicycle vendors. In the big cities cycling has seen up to a 91% increase in the past 12 months, and it is not just the cheaper cost of cycling that is proving attractive, but also its benefits to the environment and as a way of getting fit.

However, with our new found enthusiasm for cycling must come a word or two of warning; RoSPA, the accident prevention charity, says that according to its own research, around 16,000 cyclists are reported as being injured each year. Shocking enough, but the society reckons less than a third of all cycling accidents are reported. The most common accidents in cities involve lorries turning across the path of a cyclist without realising he or she is alongside them.

When an accident happens, it is important to remember what legal protection you have as a cyclist. Indeed in many circumstances it should be possible to make a compensation claim against the person/persons responsible for causing your accident so you don’t find yourself out of pocket with medical expenses and the costs of replacing your bike and any clothing that was damaged during your accident.

A good personal injury lawyer will use all evidence available try to build as strong a case as possible for a cycling accident victim to ensure they receive compensation.  However, there are a few steps you can take to not only increase your safety on the road, but also, if the worst should happen and you do get injured, increase your chances of making a successful claim:

•    Wear a cycling helmet – a well made, close fitting helmet will cushion your head from any impacts, either from a moving vehicle or if you fall off and hit the pavement. Make sure you are told how to adjust the straps when you buy your helmet, and each time you use it check for signs of damage to the inner polystyrene, which could make it less effective in a crash.

•    If travelling in winter or at night, fit lights to the front and rear of your bike, and wear a reflective jacket or reflective stripes to make sure you stand out in areas with poor street lighting.

•    Obey the rules of the road – if you’re on a bike you might feel inclined to jump the odd red light, or take a short cut the wrong way up a one way street, however if you do so any claim you make against another driver maybe substantially reduced or even dismissed. Remember to follow the Highway Code just like other road users.

•    If you are only slightly injured, and you have a camera or camera-phone with you, take some pictures of the accident scene. Visual evidence is extremely valuable in road accident compensation claims as it provides the courts with a better understanding of the accident circumstances. If you require medical attention after your accident, you should not put yourself in danger by trying to take photos, Camps Solicitors can arrange for an expert to take photos at a later date if required.

Whilst avoiding an accident is always going to be the best outcome, if you are not so fortunate then Camps Solicitors are here for you. Our road accident solicitors will work on your behalf to recover compensation for your injuries and any loss of or damage to property caused by your accident. Our solicitors have dealt with a wide variety of cycling injury claims,  such as the case of Mr Hardwick who came off his bike in a Somerset cycling accident. Call Camps Solicitors today on Freephone 0800 092 8586 for a free initial consultation with one of our staff.