Cycling accident

Cycling accident overview

Cycling accidents often result in serious injuries due to the relative lack of protection for cyclists in comparison to other road users such as car drivers. The most common types of cycling accident injuries are limb injuries which occur in around half of cycling accidents, chest and abdomen injuries that occur in about half of all cycling accidents and head injuries that occur in around 50% of cycling accidents. Head injuries sustained in cycling accidents range from minor cuts to serious injuries such as skull fractures.

Types of cycling accident

The types of cycling accident vary with the age of the rider involved. With younger riders up to the age of 16, many cycling accidents are the result of playing or undertaking tricks. Older riders involved in cycling accidents are more likely to be involved in collisions with motor vehicles as they are more likely to be using the bicycle as a tool for commuting and other activities.

Cycling accident statistics

Cycling accident statistics reveal that 90% of cycling accidents happen in urban areas, with 75% of these happening at, or near a road junction. The majority of cycling accidents occur in daylight with males more likely than females to be involved in a cycling accident.

Cycling accidents and helmet usage

In the UK, there are no laws in place to make helmet usage compulsory for cyclists. Helmets do afford protection, however the exact amount of protection is often debated. Helmets are manufactures from polystyrene. The air pockets within the structure absorb the crushing energy of a cycling accident resulting in a fall to protect the head. The helmet acts to slowly decelerate the speed of the skull after a cycling accident and therefore lessen the impact.

Cycling accident next steps

If you wish to see if you have an accident claim as a result of a cycling accident, please contact us. Please also use the information on the pages below to find out more.