England 23/07/2013 – As more cyclists take to the roads the number of accidents, involving bike riders are increasing too.
The most recent figures from ROSPA show that there are over 19,000 cycling accidents in the UK, and that the number of bike accidents is on the increase. This is not surprising when you consider how many more people have taken to the roads on their bikes over the past ten years. However, ROSPA comments, in their report, that the reported accidents do not reflect the true level of the problem. These statistics only cover accidents that took place on the road, and were reported in some way, for example, to the police. Surprisingly, there is evidence that some cyclists do not report their accidents even when they have to go to hospital because of their injuries. It seems that some accept it as a danger of bike riding and take no action even when they are injured.
However, attitudes are changing and more cyclists are visiting websites like jefferies-solicitors.com when they have an accident.This firm of solicitors specialise in personal accident claims and, over the years, has represented a lot of cyclists. They have seen the number of personnel injuries claims from cyclists increase slowly, but surely, over the past few years.
The firm is based in Altrincham, therefore, covers much of the Greater Manchester area. Every year in and around Manchester there are nearly 300 reported cycling accidents. One accident blackspot, Wilmslow Road, known locally as the ‘Curry Mile’, is the scene of around 20 accidents per year. The fact that the city is home to so many students may be a contributing factor to the relatively high level of accidents, given that the majority of cycle accidents, in the UK, involves young men aged under 30.
Investment in cycle lanes will help to reduce the number of injuries
It is thought that the increase in the number of accidents is mainly down to the simple fact that more people are taking to their bikes. Unfortunately, changes to the infrastructure and roads in and around Manchester have not kept pace with the huge influx of extra cyclists. Fortunately, the council is investing more money in cycling, in an attempt to improve things and encourage even more people to take to the roads on their bikes. However, the team at Jefferies Solicitors anticipate that it will take time for these changes to have an impact and reduce the amount of cycle claims they deal with.
Contact:
Jefferies Solicitors Limited
Ashley House, Ashley Road
Altrincham, Cheshire
Zip: WA14 2DW
Tel: 0800 342 3206
Email: newclaims@jefferiessolicitors.com
Web: http://www.jefferies-solicitors.com