How overgrown vegetation led to a serious injury and how Cycle SOS helped pick up the pieces.
For most cyclists, dedicated cycle paths are meant to offer safety and space away from fast-moving traffic. But what happens when that promise is undermined by neglect?
In July 2022 our client, a seasoned cyclist, found out the hard way.
While riding on a designated section of the A64 cycle path, she was forced to swerve suddenly when overgrown vegetation narrowed the already-tight route. The encroaching branches obscured the edge of the path and left her with nowhere to go. In that split second, she lost control, colliding with the overgrowth and hitting the ground hard, just a metre from high-speed traffic.
The fall caused a serious knee injury that would go on to require surgery, physiotherapy, and repeated injections over the following two years. What should have been a safe and straightforward ride became a long and painful journey of recovery.
Frustrated by the situation and unsure where to turn, she contacted the cycling solicitors at Cycle SOS. From the very first conversation, the legal team made it clear: she wasn’t at fault and she wasn’t alone.
Working closely with her, the team gathered detailed photographs and a powerful witness statement describing the poor condition of the path. That early effort made a difference. Within just four months, the team secured a full admission of liability from the local highways authority, proving that the path should never have been left in that state.
But the lawyers at Cycle SOS didn’t rush to settle. Understanding the severity of the injury and the long road to recovery, they waited until the client’s treatment had progressed and her condition had stabilised. Only then was the full claim submitted. This was backed by the latest medical reports and rehabilitation evidence to ensure nothing was missed.
By May 2025, her claim was concluded successfully, reflecting the true cost of the injury—not just physically and financially, but emotionally too.
Cycle paths are there to protect us, but if they’re not maintained, they can become dangerous.
A message for other riders
While cycling remains a safe, sustainable and joyful way to get around, it’s important to recognise that even the best infrastructure can fail without proper upkeep. If a cycle path is overgrown, obstructed, or unsafe you are not obliged to use it. Your safety comes first. We would also encourage cyclists to report cycle lanes which are not usable or overgrown to the local authority they are in so that issues can be resolved.
Cycle SOS is here to stand up for cyclists when things go wrong and to push for better, safer conditions for all. If you’ve been injured while cycling due to a poorly maintained path or highway, get in touch with the team that understands the law, cycling and how to best help cyclists claim compensation for injuries following an cycling incident.
