Tour de France Puts Spotlight on Cycling

The Tour de France 2020 raced to the end of stage 15, with British hope Adam Yates two minutes and three seconds off the pace.

Overall leader Primoz Roglic was beaten narrowly in a sprint finish with Tadej Pogacar, who lies second and well placed to challenge. Current champion Egan Bernal dropped out of contention.

Although being carried out amid the coronavirus pandemic, the Tour de France brings global attention to the sport of cycling, one which is enjoyed by millions, many of whom get on their own bikes and get out and about.

The rise and rise in cycling

The hobby of cycling has enjoyed a resurgence of late, thanks partially to the unprecedented Covid-19 lockdown imposed by the Government. It forced many to seek different things to do to fill their time as they sought to find alternatives to their usual activities. Bike shops reported huge surges in demand, and some struggled to keep pace.

Millions got out on their bikes and explored their local area. At one point, there was a 387% rise in the number of cyclists on the road in England compared with the percentage of the equivalent day in the first week of March.

Great for the environment, but be wary

Cycling is a great way to exercise and provide a helping hand to our environment by restricting the carbon footprint which grows with every car journey.

A cyclist falls into the category of vulnerable road user. They are exposed to vehicles moving at much faster speeds and have far less protection should they suffer an accident on the roads compared with vehicle users. Even elite cyclists suffer the same issue, with common cycling accidents, like being clipped, occurring in the Tour de France.

This was evident in 2011 when Johnny Hoogerland was thrown into a barbed wire fence after a fellow rider was struck by an overtaking French media car. The vehicle got too close and knocked one of the riders down.

Common cycling accidents

Being clipped is a common cycling accident, as cars get too close when overtaking, sometimes as a result of impatience and a manoeuvre which isn’t suitable at the time.

Other causes of cycling accidents include a lack of awareness on behalf of a motorist and/or cyclist in certain situations, such as entering traffic and dealing with junctions.

There are factors which are beyond the control of cyclists, including potholes or other debris causing a loss of control, with the road conditions in difficult weather – wet or icy – also a potential problem for those on their bike.

What you should do if involved in an accident as a cyclist

Just because you are a cyclist on the road does not mean your rights are reduced should you be involved in an accident and wish to make a road traffic accident claim. It is important, in the immediate aftermath of the accident, to do the following things:

• Move to a safe location as soon as possible
• Contact the emergency services
• Take the details of the at-fault party
• Get details of any witnesses
• If you have your phone, and it isn’t damaged in the accident, take pictures of the scene

Call Winns first

It is understandable to be shaken and shocked following an accident as a cyclist. But by gathering as much information and evidence as possible, it gives your non-fault claim the best chance of success.

By calling Winns, you get access to a team of dedicated legal professionals who specialise in making these claims. Winns can help you with:

• Co-ordinating your claim, providing legal support and guidance, as you seek personal injury compensation
• The arrangement of treatment for any injuries sustained
• Recovery of any out of pocket expenses incurred as a result of the accident

Arranging all aspects of your claim, Winns will provide that all-important helping hand after an accident on the road. To find out more about how Winns can help following a cycling accident, click here.

Call Winns today

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