Third Olympic Gold Medallist in Cycling Accident
It appears that even professional cyclists are vulnerable to the dangers of the road. Since the London Olympics last year, a suspicious and surprising number of top cyclists have been involved in cycling accidents.
On 9th November 2012, Bradley Wiggins, multiple Olympic gold medallist and winner of last year’s Tour de France was involved in a collision with a van which left him with multiple injuries. The Vauxhall Astra was pulling out of a petrol station near Wiggin’s home in Eccleston in Lancashire when the female driver knocked Wiggins off his mountain bike.
The gold medal winner suffered a broken rib, a dislocated finger and heavy bruising to his lungs and hand following the accident. Mr Wiggins was taken to Royal Preston Hospital following the incident, but was allowed to return home the next day.
Just hours later the top Australian coach of British Cycling Shane Sutton was also involved in a cycling accident in Manchester. Sutton was knocked unconscious by a car for three hours and sustained injuries including a broken cheekbone. He also suffered some internal bleeding from his brain due to the accident.
Mark Cavendish became the third cyclist to be involved in a cycling accident which also occurred in November last year.
The 27-year-old was training in Tuscany, Italy when he collided with a car. The 2011 World Road Race Champion was cycling behind a car when the vehicle suddenly braked with force. Luckily, Mr Cavendish didn’t suffer from any serious injuries.
British gold medallist Joanna Rowsell is the recent Olympian to be involved in a cycling accident. Miss Rowsell was hit by a car on Saturday. The 24-year-old tweeted concerned fans that she was ‘okay’ and only endured minor cuts and bruises. Miss Rowsell explained that it was the first time in her 9 year cycling career that she had been knocked off her bike.
Cycling Accident Statistics
A study conducted by The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents revealed that every year in the UK approximately 19,000 people are injured in cycling accidents, including 3,0000 people who are killed or seriously injured.
These statistics only include cycle accidents which were reported to the police, therefore the total number of accidents could be significantly more. It is quite normal for cyclists to be involved in road accidents, to be taken to hospital and not have their injuries reported to the police. This figure also doesn’t include the number of cycling accidents which occur off of the road.
Most Common Cycle Accidents
According to the ROSPA, the most common accidents are as follows:
- Motorist emerging into path of cyclist
- Motorist turning across path of cyclist
- Cyclist riding into the path of a motor vehicle, often riding off a pavement
- Cyclist and motorist going straight ahead
- Cyclist turning right from a major road and from a minor road
- Child cyclist playing or riding too fast
(Source: Rospa)
Most Common Injuries
The most common injuries sustained because of a cycling accident include:
- Head Injury – wearing an appropriate helmet can reduce the amount of damage to the head and brain. Minor injuries include cuts and bruises.
- Facial Injury – damage to the jaw, cheekbones or teeth
- Shoulder Fracture – broken collarbone or fractured arm bone
- Abrasion – painful skin removal
- Wrist Injury – broken or strained wrist
- Knee Injury – hurt on impact as cyclist falls. May cause life-long problems
- Ankle Injury – twisted or sprained ankle
- Psychological Injury – not as popular but the victim may need some psychological treatment
How To Be A Safer Cyclist
Consider these 10 tips on how to be a safer cyclist on the road to ensure you are doing all you can to avoid an accident:
- Anticipate the unexpected
- Ride in the correct direction of traffic
- Always look behind you when intending to change course and signal appropriately
- Choose an appropriate lane position
- Ride away from the side of parked cars/curbs
- Watch cars on your right, which are turning right
- If you are turning left, use the left lane
- Use cycle tracks running next to the road where possible
- Obey traffic signals
- Obey speed limits
Always carry some identification with you just incase you are unresponsive or unconscious.
How To Claim Compensation For A Cycle Accident
If you have sustained an injury due to a cycling accident you may be eligible for cycle accident claim compensation. Our solicitors are experts in cycle accidents and are willing to help win the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our solicitors will ensure that you receive the best possible treatment for your cycling injury so that you make a speedy recovery as well as help you receive the cycle accident claim compensation you deserve.