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Common Obstacles For The Urban Cyclist

Urban cycling isn’t an extreme sport, but there are times when it seems that we’re pedaling through an assault-course, dodging pedestrians and cars parked in cycle lanes. In a utopia, roads would always be squeaky clean and in pristine condition, with potholes and drains being things found only in nightmares and scary movies.

Sadly, the reality is quite different. Though the government has invested millions of pounds into cycling infrastructure all over the country, there are still a plethora of difficulties that the average cyclists face when riding in towns and cities. From safety hazards to coexistence with motorists and pedestrians, urban cycling has more challenges than just physical endurance. We’re going to discuss some of the obstacles we face while cycling in urban areas, and what you can do to overcome them.

Potholes

Potholes are an evil that come in all shapes and sizes, and that multiply during the wetter weather. Depending on factors such as speed, size, and type of ride, and of course, the size of the pothole, you can suffer from a slight loss of control, damage to the rim and tyre of your bike, or even a fall.
The best way to get around a pothole is to anticipate it. This is easier on routes that you’re already familiar with. When you roll through unknown territory, it’s advisable to keep your eyes fixed on your path ahead so you can see what awaits you. On busier roads it can be difficult to avoid, as potholes can appear out of nowhere, in this case it’s best to jump it with your front wheel.

Drains, cracks, and gaps in the road

Storm drains aren’t designed in a way that make them safe for cyclists; in fact, it’s quite the opposite. Grates oriented in the direction of traffic are more than an inconvenient bump in the road, they’re downright dangerous as bikes comes to an immediate halt when a wheel gets caught in the grates.
Our first recommendation is to always avoid the drains that are on the side of the road and put yourself in a primary position to the centre of the lane. If this isn’t possible, the safest way to get over it is to go perpendicular to the direction of the gird. As with potholes, if you can’t avoid it, try to jump over it, preventing the front wheel from getting caught.
It’s not uncommon to find streets with large cracks, gaps or potholes due to lack of maintenance or just down to poor construction in the first place. Fall into one of these cracks, and you can seriously damage your wheels, or worse, fall off your bike and suffer an injury.
If you need to cross a ditch, crack or even tram track, it’s best to point the front wheel towards the ditch and lift it when crossing so that you avoid hitting the edge. If your wheels have already fallen not the ditch, pull the front wheel up and shift you weight to the side.

Wet streets

Driving a car in the rain is already risky, so when it’s done on two wheels it becomes especially dangerous. Beyond not having a chassis that protects us from the rain, it’s tricky to ride without slipping.
The most perilous time to cycle is when the first rain shower falls, this is because oil residue left behind by vehicles begins to loosen and forms a slippery multi-coloured film, this is eventually washed away after a few rain showers.
So, when pedalling on a wet surface, extreme precautions must always be taken. It’s essential to ride with a greater distance between you and other motorists or cyclists so that you have an increased braking space and more time to manoeuvre. It’s also important to apply the brakes periodically for two reasons, firstly to make sure that they are working, secondly to reduce excess water on the rim or disc. Finally, when turning, try to load your weight on the outer pedal and keep it in a lower position, this helps to achieve a better grip.

Obstructions in the road

It’s not uncommon to find objects such as cans, boxes and general rubbish on the roads which can represent a danger for cyclists. In most cases, you will find these on the edge of the road, but not always!
The best way to get around these obstacles is to be aware of what’s coming your way. If you’re attentive to what’s 20-30 metres ahead, you have a better chance of reacting in advance. Ride in the primary position, as previously mentioned, you’re less likely to encounter debris and other objects that don’t belong on the road, and so that you have more space to manoeuvre.

Parked Cars

Parked cars can pose as a problem for cyclists for many reasons. Car doors are one of the most common causes of cyclists’ injuries- thankfully they’re easy to avoid. Always pass parked cars on the right and avoid getting too close to them in case someone opens their door without looking for (you’d be surprised at how common this is!)

Cars parking in cycle lanes is another kettle of fish; bikes have a hard time navigating around cars parked in a cycle lane, which forces them into traffic where they may get hit by another car. While it is illegal for cars to park in cycle lanes, unfortunately, there are still people ignoring this rule.

Pedestrians in cycle lanes

We’ve all done it, consciously or subconsciously, sauntered across a cycle lane blissfully unaware of the danger we’re causing. We’ve also thought that pavements should be paved with the same material since walking in the cycle lane is much nicer and bouncier.
However, we often forget that the purpose of these lanes is to facilitate the circulation of cyclists, not pedestrians, and walking in these designated cycle lanes is dangerous. Though pedestrians should be aware of the traffic ruling in their towns and cities, as a cyclist you may have to take an extra precaution to ensure both your own and their safety. Having a loud bell attached to your bike is a good way to alert others of your presence, as pedestrians tend to amble with their ears and not their eyes!

Whether you’re a seasoned urban cyclist or are just looking to get started, it’s good to know what to expect. Problems are inevitable in the cycling world, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop riding!
Of course, there are ways to deal with these problems, and you can start by simply being aware of them. Always be on the lookout for these dangers, plan ahead and try to find workarounds when possible. Urban cycling is a very rewarding exercise, an efficient way of commuting and an opportunity to have a healthier lifestyle.

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

 

 

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.