Cycling is more popular than ever in the UK, but road standards across the country aren’t keeping up with it. While bikes offer a cleaner, healthier way to travel, poor infrastructure can turn a simple ride into a serious accident.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ve supported many cyclists injured by things like potholes, faded lanes and unsafe junctions. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be injured while out on your bike and it was down to poor road quality, you could have a claim on your hands.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at the many cycling accident causes on UK roads, your legal rights and how to get the support you need after a cycling accident.
Is the UK safe for cyclists?
Since the pandemic, there’s been a clear shift towards active travel, whether it’s for commuting, exercise or cutting carbon. The government has even set ambitious targets to boost cycling levels across England by 2025 as part of its Active Travel Strategy.
But despite these goals, the UK still isn’t a consistently safe place to cycle. Most towns and cities don’t have properly joined-up cycle lanes and if they do, they’re usually too narrow, poorly surfaced or shared with buses and parked cars. In rural areas, cyclists are often left with no choice but to ride on fast, winding roads with little or no hard shoulder.
According to the Department for Transport, over 15,000 cyclists are injured in road traffic incidents each year. So until safe cycling routes are treated as essential, the UK will continue to fall behind Europe when it comes to safety.
How poor infrastructure contributes to cycling accidents
When we talk about road safety, driver behaviour is often the focus. But if you cycle, the condition and design of the road can be just as important. These are some of the most common hazards for cyclists on UK roads:
Potholes and uneven surfaces
A deep pothole or broken surface can easily throw a cyclist off balance. Unlike cars, bikes have no suspension to absorb the shock. This means that even small defects can cause crashes. Pothole injuries are more common in winter, when freeze-thaw cycles damage the road.
Inadequate or missing cycle lanes
Many towns still lack proper cycle lanes, forcing cyclists to share space with fast-moving traffic. Even when lanes exist, they’re often too narrow, badly marked or poorly maintained. These unsafe cycle lanes in the UK make you more vulnerable to close passes and collisions if you ride a bike.
Roadworks and debris in cycle paths
Temporary works, loose gravel, rubbish or fallen branches can force you to swerve or stop suddenly on a bike. Road users rarely realise how exposed bikes are to these hazards. A bike accident caused by a poor surface or blocked path can leave a rider seriously hurt.
Unsafe junction design or traffic flow
Busy junctions and roundabouts can be especially risky if you cycle. Poor signage, unclear priorities or lack of dedicated bike signals can often leave you in harm’s way.
What are a cyclist’s rights after an accident?
If you’ve been injured while cycling due to poor road conditions, you might have the right to claim compensation, especially if a local authority or highways body failed in its duty to keep the road safe.
Who’s responsible for road safety?
Most roads in the UK are managed by either local councils (responsible for inspecting, maintaining and repairing roads in towns and cities) or National Highways, responsible for major roads and motorways in England.
These bodies have a legal duty to keep roads safe for all users, including cyclists. If they fail to repair hazards like potholes, loose surfaces or blocked paths within a reasonable time, it could be classed as negligence.
What counts as negligence?
To claim compensation, you’ll need to show that:
- The road defect or hazard involved caused your accident.
- The responsible authority knew about the problem.
- They didn’t take reasonable steps to fix it.
For example, if a pothole had been reported weeks earlier and wasn’t repaired, the council could be liable. This is why local council pothole claims often depend on whether there’s evidence of prior complaints.
What’s the process for making a claim?
Cycling injury claims caused by poor infrastructure typically involve:
- Gathering evidence — This includes photos of the road defect, medical records, witness statements and anything else that helps prove negligence.
- Proving liability — You need to show that the road authority failed in their duty of care to you.
- Filing your claim — Get in touch with a solicitor specialising in personal injury law.
Our team at Injury Lawyers 4u have years of experience handling cycling accidents and pothole injury claims. And we understand what it takes to build a strong case and hold negligent parties accountable.
What to do if you’ve been injured in a cycling accident
After a cycling accident, it’s important to act quickly, especially if poor road conditions are to blame. Follow these five steps to secure your safety and any potential future claims.
- Get medical help — By talking to a doctor or medical professional, you will create a medical record of your injuries.
- Take photos — Get pictures of the road defect, your injuries and your bike.
- Note details — This includes the time of the accident, the location and what happened.
- Collect witness info — Talk to anyone that saw the accident and ask for their testimony.
- Report the hazard — Get in touch with the local council or Highways Agency where necessary.
Once you’re safe, it’s a good idea to speak to our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u to discuss any potential claims you might want to make.
Our team operates on a no-win, no-fee basis, which means you won’t pay us a penny unless we bring home the win for you. Get in touch for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation for a cycling accident caused by a pothole?
If the pothole was known about or should have been repaired, you might be entitled to claim against the local authority or highways body.
Who is responsible for unsafe cycling routes?
Responsibility usually falls to the local council for most roads or National Highways for A-roads and motorways. If they’ve failed to maintain safe conditions, they could be held liable.
What evidence do I need to make a cycling injury claim?
Photos of the road defect, medical records, witness details and proof of reporting the hazard all help build a strong case.
Can I claim against the council for a poor road surface?
If the poor road surface directly caused your accident and the council failed to fix it in good time, you might be entitled to a claim.
How much compensation can I get for a cycling injury?
Compensation amounts will depend on your injuries, recovery time and financial losses. Use our compensation calculator for a quick estimate of your general damages. These cover your pain and suffering, but not your financial losses.