Cycling Injuries on the Rise in the UK

Latest statistics reveal number of deaths and serious injuries increased

The increase in the number of cyclists taking to the road has also lead to a rise in the number of deaths and serious injuries amongst cyclists, according to new government figures. There was a rise of 19% in the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured in the second quarter of the year. Between March and June this year, 820 cyclists were involved in serious accidents on the roads.

It seems that with many people feeling the effects of the recession, and with fuel prices still on the rise, cycling has enjoyed a surge in popularity, as people who have not ridden a bike in years are taking to the roads in increasing numbers. However a large influx of inexperienced riders onto heavily congested roads might be one of the main factors that have contributed to the rise in the number of cycling accidents.

Cycling road safety

With the government urging more of us to get out of our cars, reports of a rise in the number of cycling accidents is hardly going to be an incentive to many people to get that dusty old bike out of the garage. Fortunately there are a few common-sense tips to help you cycle smarter and more safely:

If you are taking your bike out for the first time in a few weeks, or even several years, make sure it has a full safety check, preferably by a mechanic at a local garage of cycle shop. This check should make sure that the tires on your bike haven’t got any punctures and that they are fully inflated. Brakes should be in full working order, and the frame and wheels should be checked for rust – so that they don’t fail at the wrong moment.
Wearing suitable clothing for cycling is also another important consideration. It is important to make sure that you are able to ride your bike comfortably and safely, whilst making yourself visible to other road users and pedestrians. Sensible footwear and a properly fitted cycling helmet will help you ride comfortably and safely, and high visibility clothing will help you to stand out, particularly at this time of year as many people will be travelling to and from work in the dark.
Lastly, if you would like to cycle but don’t feel confident enough to head out onto the open road just yet, why not try one of the Bikeability courses available throughout the country. The courses, which have been developed as a 21st century version of the old “Cycling Proficiency Test”, offer an easy way to learn the skills you need to cycle safely on the road.

Cycling accident claims from Camps Solicitors

Camps Solicitors have been acting on behalf of people, including cyclists who have been injured in accidents where they were not to blame, for over 25 years. In that time, our accident injury lawyers have recovered compensation for tens of thousands of our clients. If you have been involved in a cycling accident that wasn’t your fault, regardless of whether it was the first time you had been cycling or the thousandth, then we can help you to make a No-Win No-Fee claim for cycling accident compensation.

From next month our dedicated cycling accident claims website, My Cycling Claim, will be open to offer a dedicated service to all cycling accident victims. Until then, call Camps Solicitors on 0800 092 8586 to speak to one of our highly trained claims advisors about your accident.