Vulnerable cyclists fight for safer riding

While recent statistics revealed the higher incidence of road accidents involving cyclists, a growing number of North Yorkshire cyclists who have already suffered injuries are actively pursuing action to improve road conditions to prevent future incidents.

The imminent Le Grand Depart with the arrival of internationally acclaimed Tour de France cyclists to the area has prompted an extensive program of resurfacing along the routes affected by the event, but some would argue this is too little too late.

The recent coroner’s report into the death of a cyclist on the Settle bypass found that his death was caused by defective road surface around a sunken manhole cover. Skipton cyclist and bike shop owner Dave Ferguson is another case in point.  His cycling accident occurred on a road which is deemed part of the National Cycle Route Network by Sustrans, the charity pioneering ‘Safe Routes’ and championing sustainable travel.

Dave was cycling between Hawes and Appleby, riding a tandem with his partner on the C3069 in Soulby, Cumbria, when his accident occurred because of the poor quality of the road surface.  A utility trench had been dug a few years earlier and the subsequent repair-work had sunk in grooves in places.

“Although we were not travelling at a great speed the wheels of the tyre got caught in a rut the width of the tyre, unbalancing the bike and throwing me off.  I actually somersaulted through the air and suffered a dislocated shoulder which naturally put me out of action for several weeks while my partner thankfully escaped with shock, cuts and bruising,” Dave explains.

Concerned that another cyclist could be injured or worse in the future, given his own relatively slow speed due to riding a tandem with paniers, Dave complained about the state of the road to Cumbria County Council without success.  He was then recommended to Skipton personal injury specialists Armstrong Luty Solicitors who went on to successfully challenge the Highways Authority. 

Nicholas Luty explained “The council initially disputed liability but we were able to collect photographic and video evidence of the defective road along with numerous witness statements from local residents including the Chair of the Parish Council, so we were able to proceed to trial and gain a successful judgement”.

Dave added “The one thing I learned from the experience is that when someone else is accountable for an accident like this then it is worthwhile pursuing action.  For me, as the judge acknowledged, it was not about the financial recompense I received for my injury, the bike, and my loss of earnings, but about making the Highways Authority take responsibility for potentially lethal road conditions.”

What Dave and others like him hope is that individuals taking action will force councils to ensure that all road surfaces are regularly reviewed for repair, even minor roads which, country-wide, are riddled with potholes and other damage from weathering and  yet at the same time are purported to be safer routes for cyclists because of their lighter traffic.

Skipton Cycling Club member Steve Wilkinson was injured on 26^th April this year when he hit a deep pothole filled with water on a poorly maintained stretch of road between Storiths and Barden Bridge in Wharfedale.  He was leading a ride with the club when the incident occurred and suffered cuts and bruises to his arm, hip and knees as well as to his clothing.  Through his membership of British Cycling Steve is currently pursuing action from the Highways Department.

Road cyclists, like motorbike riders, are often the victim of accidents involving car drivers failing to see them, despite their attempts to wear high visibility clothing.  Stephen Lloyd was knocked off his bike at the Kildwick roundabout of the A629. His wheel was trapped by the motorist’s front wheel and he was thrown from the bike, shattering his helmet. A police video van captured the registration of the driver, who drove off without leaving their details, enabling Stephen to pursue a claim.

Alan King was not so lucky. While training for the White Rose Classics, on his return from a 70 mile ride to Hubberholme just ¼ mile from his home in Bingley he was hit from behind by a Ford Focus.  The driver failed to stop and Alan was in no fit state to get a registration number, so he has never been traced.  Alan suffered a broken leg, displaced cartilage and developed complications from a blood clot in his calf which led to liver failure. 

Dave Ferguson observed “Often cyclists are perceived as inferior road users, with many car drivers under the illusion that because they pay car tax and cyclists don’t this somehow makes them less worthy of using the roads.  In actual fact vehicle taxes are just that; they are not road taxes.  Road tax was abolished in 1937 and current vehicle taxing is based on CO2 emissions.  

It is true to say that with the increase of cyclists on the roads this year because of the Tour de France fervour there are more inexperienced riders out and about, some of whom are creating a ‘them and us’ mentality on our already busy rural roads; certainly in the Craven area where I am based.  Experienced cyclists need to lead by example, riding in peloton file when is safe to do so, and ‘falling in’ to allow traffic to pass whenever possible to cut down on motorist frustration. We all have a right to use the roads and cyclists must continue to actively pursue the right to be safe while riding for the benefit of all.”