What are the most common causes of cycling accidents?

How common are bicycle accidents in the UK?

According to figures published by the Department of Transport (DFT) in September 2025, over 14,500 cyclists are injured on Britain’s roads in 2024. This included 3,822 serious injuries and 82 fatalities.

Since 2004, the number of people choosing to cycle in Britain’s roads has increased by a huge 36%. In the same time period, fatalities in cycling accidents have decreased by 39% - however, the number of serious injuries recorded after a cycling accident has increased by 16%.

Other important findings in the DFT’s data include:

• 82% of cycling accident fatalities were male
• 56% of cycling accident fatalities occurred on roads in rural areas, though 75% of serious injuries occurred in urban areas

It is a sad truth that cyclists remain one of the most vulnerable groups on the road, with almost 80 cyclists suffering serious injuries each week between 2020 and 2024. Understanding the common causes of these accidents is crucial to protecting road users and helping prevent these accidents in future.

What are the most common causes of cycling accidents?

The DFT have revealed that the most commonly recorded safety issue relating to cycling accidents that have caused serious injuries or fatalities is “ineffective observation by either the driver or rider or pedestrian”.

A lack of awareness or observation on the road can lead to severe and life-threatening consequences – not just for you, but for other road users as well. It is therefore critical to show those around you the proper care and respect to avoid any potential accidents and injuries.

Our leading cycling accident solicitors have supported hundreds of clients in the aftermath of accidents on the road. Some of the most common causes of cycling accident we have encountered include:

• Dangerous or reckless behaviour: this can include other road users driving aggressively, failing to afford cyclists the right appropriate space, making a sudden or illegal turn without looking, or opening a door into a cyclist’s path. It can also include unnecessary risks taken by cyclists as well, including riding unpredictably or failing to observe traffic signals.
• Poor road conditions: ill-maintained roads can pose a much higher risk to cyclists on the road. Issues such as uneven surfaces, debris and potholes can increase the risk of a cyclist losing control and colliding with other road users.
• Lack of visibility due to weather conditions: there are many conditions that can reduce visibility on the roads, including rain, fog, or poor lighting, which can make it difficult for other road users to see cyclists, particularly if they are wearing dark or non-reflective clothing.

What are the common injuries resulting from a cycling accident?

The types of injury caused in a cycling accident can vary substantially depending upon the severity of the accident. Some of the most common injuries our solicitors have dealt with include:

• Soft tissue damage, including sprains and strains
• Damage to the skin, ranging from minor bruising to severe road rash (where the skin has slid across the pavement or road)
• Broken bones and fractures, including damage to the hands, wrists, arms, legs, and clavicle (collarbone)
• Head and neck injuries, including concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Damage to the spine, including nerve damage and spinal cord injuries
• Internal injuries and bleeding due to blunt force trauma

Making a cycling accident claim after an injury

Suffering an injury in a cycling accident can leave you feeling isolated and vulnerable, but it is important to know that you are not alone. Our specialist cycling accident solicitors have worked with hundreds of clients across the UK to secure the justice, compensation and support they needed to make the best possible recovery. With a focus on securing interim payments and access to top quality rehabilitation and care, we’re here to help when you need us most.

For further information, you can contact our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.

All information was correct at the time of publication.