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A cyclist with a head lamp on.

What it means to be ‘seen’.

Between making ourselves visible and actually being seen there are a number of other factors at play. Understanding the steps in being seen, recognised and reacted to by a car driver can help us think more proactively about how we dress, light up our bikes and position ourselves.

 

Many of us will be familiar with the phrase SMIDSY – sorry mate, I didn’t see you. The stats are that in 44% of collisions either of the parties did not see the other and in 21% there was a failure to appreciate the speed of the other vehicle.

 

Making yourself as visible as possible by lighting up your bike like a Christmas tree and wearing bright colours is one thing, but it takes work on the driver’s part to actually ‘see’ you and importantly asses, react and respond to what is being seen. So what is going on for the car driver?

 

Perceive

 

The first step is the driver has to see or perceive that there is something they need to react to. The pool of light from a dipped beam headlight is generally in the 56 to 60m bracket. At 30 mph that distance would be covered in slightly over 4 seconds.  At 60 mph it follows that the distance would be covered in 2 seconds.  Tests undertaken by Sussex Police (among others) indicate that a person in predominantly dark clothing (a darker shade of grey) will be likely to be perceived at 24-26m while white or bright clothing increases that to 45m. These numbers are important as in that short space of time a lot needs to happen in the brain of the driver.

 

React

 

Reaction time is the space between perceiving the hazard and doing something about it. Most of the studies into reaction time have come up with a real world figure of between 1.5 and 2 seconds, this is used as the basis for crash reconstruction by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators (ITAI).

 

What does that mean in terms of distance? For example, a car travelling at 60 mph, the national speed limit which applies on the majority of rural roads, will travel further than the length of a football field in 3.5 seconds.

 

Using a really quick reaction time, from perception to doing something about it, the car’s travelled 38m of 132 feet. Then it has to slow down or stop.

At 30mph, the predominant limit in urban areas it’s still 66 feet (four and a half car lengths), or almost 20m before the brakes go on and any avoidance is begun. Reading these figures in conjunction with the ones above show how much can happen in the little time which there is for a driver to react.

 

Vision

 

However visible you are, the driver’s eye sight and brain still has work to do for you to be perceived and seen in limited amount of time. The ‘relaxed’ (or fatigued) focal distance of the human eye is between 11 to 13m. That’s where most of us are looking, most of the time. Looking further requires an actual input.  Objects not directly in front of us are also harder to see as visual acuity reduces by up to 70% at only a small deviation away from the central field of vision, which is 5 degrees from the central axis. So part of the perception reaction process is likely to involve rotation of the head, movement of the eye and re-focusing.

 

That’s quite a lot to happen in the ‘thinking distance’ so anything that we can do to allow us to be seen sooner is going to help. It’s also important to remember that at night, without artificial lighting the visual acuity is reduced to approximately 5% to 10% of the daylight vision.

 

Be seen, sooner

 

By making sure we can be spotted from further away, we are giving a driver more time in which to react. White or bright clothing can be seen from nearly twice the distance of black or grey. It is also accepted that movement helps draw attention against other ambient lighting, especially in urban areas, so put lights and reflectors on parts of your bike that move, such as pedals and wheels.

 

Ensure your clothing and lights allow 360-degree visibility, so you can be seen side on as you cross in front of a side road. Put your rear lights at varying height and make sure they are not obscured by your rucksack or clothing. Think about your road positioning, especially when performing a manoeuvre as objects not directly in front of us are harder to see.

 

Being highly visible is not the same as being seen, as anyone who has heard the SMIDSY line will know and as we have shown above there are a lot of human factors involved. Even though you are decked out in lights and bright colours from head to toe there is no guarantee that the driver has actually registered you through the flak of other competing distractions upon the driver’s attention: dealing with the inevitable driving tasks (risk situations) and the processing of information from legitimate vehicle systems and their in-car entertainment, navigational devices and mobile phones. To help ourselves stay safe on the roads we need to maintain our own levels of alertness and perception and not make assumptions, especially at junctions, that we have been spotted.

Written By:

Test Name

Personal Injury Solicitor

Marcus manages a caseload of claims from commencement to conclusion. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and has since gained extensive experience in personal injury law. 

What Marcus enjoys most about his work is the satisfaction that comes from winning claims and ensuring that his clients receive the justice they deserve. He takes great pleasure in advocating for his clients, providing them with the legal support they need to stand up against powerful corporations. His commitment to his clients and his ability to secure positive outcomes have earned him a reputation for excellence in his field.

Marcus Doxey

Personal Injury Solicitor

Marcus manages a caseload of claims from commencement to conclusion. He qualified as a Solicitor in 2002 and has since gained extensive experience in personal injury law. 

What Marcus enjoys most about his work is the satisfaction that comes from winning claims and ensuring that his clients receive the justice they deserve. He takes great pleasure in advocating for his clients, providing them with the legal support they need to stand up against powerful corporations. His commitment to his clients and his ability to secure positive outcomes have earned him a reputation for excellence in his field.

Kallen Jenkin

Personal injury Solicitor

Having qualified as a solicitor in January 2024, Kallen brings with him over five years of experience running personal injury and clinical negligence cases. His experience spans EL/PL, road traffic accidents, accidents abroad, professional negligence, cosmetic and dental claims. His work involves both fast track and multi-track claims.

Kallen is also skilled in advocacy, having represented clients in various hearings, including pre-action disclosure applications, interim applications, stage 3 hearings, infant approval hearings, and case management conferences. 

Timothy Shaw

Personal Injury Solicitor

Tim is a highly experienced Solicitor with 29 years of post-qualification experience, specialising in claims involving accidents at work, slips, trips, falls, and defective product claims. 

Admitted as a solicitor in 1995, Tim has dedicated his career to securing fair outcomes for his clients. He thrives on the unique challenges each case presents and is passionate about achieving justice for those who have suffered injury. His extensive experience also allows him to mentor and support less-experienced colleagues. 

Rachel Cook

Personal Injury Solicitor

Rachel manages cases efficiently from the outset, striving to secure the best possible outcomes for her clients. With six years of experience in personal injury law, her meticulous approach to her work allows her to make a meaningful difference in her clients’ lives. 

Rachel takes pride in streamlining access to legal aid for the public while forming strong relationships with a diverse array of clients. Her dedication to championing justice and supporting her clients underpins everything she does in her legal career. 

Jayne Orme

Associate & Personal Injury Solicitor

Jayne is the Associate Solicitor and Team Leader in our Two-wheel team. She has worked in personal injury law for nearly 20 years.

She has successfully represented hundreds of clients during her career and is committed to helping motorcyclists who have been involved in non-fault accidents receive the compensation they deserve.

David Brown

Chartered Legal Executive

David brings over 15 years of expertise to his role, from handling claims on behalf of employees following accidents at work and acting on behalf of members of the public

David’s enjoyment in his work stems from the involvement in investigations of accidents and the quantifying of claims, highlighting his passion for delivering justice and fair compensation to his clients. Additionally, his experience of working for defendants gives him valuable insight into common defendant legal tactics.  

David’s dedication to his role, combined with his wealth of experience and commitment to continuous improvement, makes him a valuable asset to the team and a trusted advocate for his clients. 

Joe Johnson

Senior Litigation Executive

Joe has over 10 years’ experience in law, with eight of those being spent working on personal injury claims.

He is motivated by helping people and enjoys that his role enables him to support clients that are most in need of it. As well as this, rehabilitation plays a huge role in a person’s journey from beginning a claim to successfully achieving a settlement. Joe finds great value in providing his clients with vital access to rehabilitation, treatment and financial support following an accident. 

Tasneem Shaffa

Senior Litigation Executive

Tasneem is a Senior Litigation Executive with over 7 years of experience in personal injury cases. She expertly guides claimants through the litigation process to ensure a successful outcome for their personal injury claims. With experience in both defendant and claimant work, she has a unique perspective that allows her to approach claims from both sides, giving her the insight needed to secure the best possible result for her clients.

Tasneem is passionate about achieving positive outcomes and enjoys building strong relationships with her clients, supporting them throughout their claims process.

Keith Edwards

Two Wheel Team Leader

With 20 years of experience in litigation, Keith specialises in representing vulnerable road users. As a keen motorcyclist, Keith is often found racing in the Supermoto British Championship and enjoying motorcycle tours all across the world. In addition to this, he also loves mountain biking and regularly enjoys getting involved in this hobby with a local club.  

His passion for motorcycles and cycling has only further driven his focus on litigation, where he thrives in contested cases. Two-wheel claims often require litigation, and Keith enjoys the challenge of helping clients secure favourable settlements. 

Clare Jenkins

Team Leader & Chartered Legal Executive

With over 30 years of experience in personal injury law, Clare finds great satisfaction in researching and rebutting the arguments put forth by insurers and defendants. As a team leader, she also enjoys working with her team, providing support and mentorship, discussing cases, and exchanging ideas. 

Despite her extensive experience, Clare still relishes the opportunity to learn new things, exploring how new case law or legislation impacts the claims process. She is committed to supporting clients and ensuring their journey through the claims process is as smooth as possible. Clare thrives in a collaborative environment and takes pride in bringing out the best in her teams.  

Linda Medhurst

Team Leader & Chartered Legal Executive

Linda boasts over 30 years’ experience working in the legal industry with a wealth of expertise in personal injury law.  

Linda’s extensive experience has made her a tenacious and passionate advocate for her clients, known for her efficiency and friendly service, coupled with a professional and firm approach. Her commitment to her clients is unwavering and she prides herself on the fact that many of her clients return and recommend her to their families and friends.

As a team leader, Linda is passionate about empowering here team to grow and further develop their skillsets. She is a natural problem solver and thrives in an environment where her team is feeling fulfilled, and their career needs nurtured.

Nicola Kenyon

Personal Injury Solicitor & Team Leader

Nicola is an experienced Solicitor and Team Leader in our Personal Injury team. She has a vast wealth of knowledge and experience and is dedicated to advocating for her clients and achieving the best possible outcomes for their cases.

Nicola finds great satisfaction in helping her clients navigate their legal challenges and securing favourable results on their behalf. Beyond her casework, as a team leader, Nicola is deeply committed to supporting and mentoring her colleagues, empowering them to reach their full potential and achieve their professional goals. Her dedication to team leadership reflects her belief in fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. 

Sadie Wilkinson

Team Leader

Sadie is a dedicated Team Leader, managing a team of solicitors, fee earners, and paralegals while also handling a complex caseload of 70 employer’s liability and public liability (ELPL) claims. 

She fosters a positive and supportive working environment for her team, closely monitoring key performance indicators and provides guidance and support to ensure the team meets its objectives. In addition to leadership responsibilities, she manages a demanding caseload of ELPL fast-track claims, consistently working to tight deadlines and adapting to the unexpected challenges that arise in litigation. 

Stephen Hussey

Head of Personal Injury

Stephen is the Head of Personal Injury in our Southport & Liverpool offices and manages a number of teams. With over 20 years of legal experience, he thrives on working with likeminded lawyers who are committed to doing their utmost to provide the best possible service for our clients.   

Stephen has years of experience working on a wide range of claims, including accidents and injuries that were sustained on the highway, the workplace, or a public place. This could be a road traffic accident, a job gone wrong on a building site or a fall in a supermarket. 

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

Jenny runs her own case load of injury claims and manages a team of over ten other legal professionals. She has been a fully qualified solicitor for over 23 years, over 19 years of which she has spent working on personal injury claims.

She is passionate about her work and enjoys learning about various medical matters and industries. She is driven by to the desire to make a difference to peoples’ lives, helping them gain access to treatment and knowing that their settlement will help them in the future.

Victoria Martin

Associate Solicitor

Victoria is an Associate Solicitor in our serious injury team, with over 26 years of experience. She represents cycling clients who have suffered catastrophic, life-changing injuries in a two-wheel collision. Victoria is passionate about the recovery and wellbeing of her clients, and offers support not only through the lifetime of the case, but throughout the rehabilitation process too.

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.

Lena Farnell

Specialist Cycling Lawyer

Lena is a specialist cycling lawyer at Cycle SOS. She derives great satisfaction from helping people who have been victims of accidents, recognising the traumatic impact such events can have on their lives. She is particularly proud of the strong relationships she has built with her clients and the results she has obtained on behalf of injured cyclists. 

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.