News

Spring & Summer Cycling Safety in Devon: A Seasonal Alert for Local Riders.

With Spring in full swing and Summer just around the corner, Devon’s roads and cycle routes are becoming noticeably busier. From the Exe Estuary Trail and the lanes around Topsham and Lympstone to the popular climbs across Woodbury Common, East Devon sees a marked increase in both local cyclists and visiting riders as the weather improves. Longer days, warmer temperatures and clearer skies make this the most active time of year for cycling - but they also bring a distinct set of seasonal risks.

Tourist traffic builds steadily from Easter onwards, agricultural machinery becomes more frequent on rural routes, and Devon’s narrow, hedge‑lined lanes can quickly become congested. These conditions heighten the danger for cyclists, particularly where visibility is limited and vehicle speeds remain high. Against this backdrop, the latest Department for Transport (DfT)* figures - showing a fall in overall cyclist casualties - offer welcome reassurance, but they also underline the continued need for caution on the county’s rural network. The most recent data available - covering the year ending June 2024* - shows a reduction in cyclist fatalities and serious injuries, but also reveals that rural areas remain disproportionately dangerous for riders.

According to the DfT, 1,607 people were killed on UK roads during this period, representing a slight decrease on the previous year. Cyclist fatalities fell by 5%, while overall cyclist casualties, including serious injuries, dropped by 6%. These improvements reflect long‑term downward trends, yet the picture is far from uniform. Despite most cycling journeys taking place in towns and cities, 56% of pedal‑cycle fatalities occurred on rural roads, where higher speeds, narrower carriageways and reduced visibility significantly increase the severity of collisions. This is particularly relevant for cyclists in Devon, where winding lanes, agricultural vehicles and blind bends create additional hazards.

Why Cycling Accidents Happen.
The DfT’s 'Pedal Cycle Factsheet' identifies “failed to look properly” as the single most common contributory factor in fatal or serious collisions involving cyclists. This applies both to drivers and riders, but the consequences are far more severe for the cyclist.

Roger Henderson, Director and Head of Personal Injury at Rundlewalker Solicitors, has represented many injured cyclists over the years.

“We see a range of cycling accidents, including collisions with cars, tractors, pedestrians and other cyclists on dedicated cycle paths. Many incidents could be avoided with better observation and greater respect between road users,” Roger explains.

Common causes of cycling accidents include:
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Cutting corners or failing to check bends
- Dangerous overtaking
- Livestock collisions including cattle, horses and dogs
- Junction collisions
- Poor road surfaces, including potholes
- Pedestrians stepping out without looking
- Car doors opening into a cyclist’s path

Although the Highway Code contains extensive guidance for cyclists, there is no mandatory test or training requirement, meaning some riders may not be fully familiar with the rules. However, the law recognises that cyclists are more vulnerable and motorists therefore carry a heightened responsibility to take care.

You Don’t Need to Be Hit to Claim.
A key point often misunderstood is that physical contact with a vehicle is not required for a cyclist to make a claim. Rundlewalker has successfully represented cyclists who were forced to take evasive action to avoid a collision, resulting in injury. The firm has also recovered compensation for “dooring” incidents, where a parked motorist opens their door into a cyclist’s path without checking.

What to Do After a Cycling Accident.
If you are involved in a cycling accident:
- Stay calm and gather evidence, including photographs and vehicle details
- Call the police so an official report is made
- Collect witness details
- Obtain dash‑cam or GoPro footage if available
- Record insurance details and registration numbers

Making a Claim.
Seeking specialist legal advice early is essential. Rundlewalker Solicitors will:
- Obtain police reports and witness statements
- Challenge insurers who attempt to reduce compensation (e.g., alleging lack of helmet or high‑visibility clothing)
- Ensure all financial losses and injuries are properly documented

Cyclists may claim for:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Bike repairs or replacement
- Damaged clothing or equipment
- Loss of earnings
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Care and assistance from friends or family

No Win, No Fee Support.
At Rundlewalker Solicitors, we operate on a 'No Win, No Fee' basis. This means you won’t have to worry about legal fees upfront. Compensation can’t undo the trauma of an accident, but it can help ease the financial burden. If you’ve been involved in an accident involving a cycle, a horse or a vehicle, the implications can be very serious, physically, emotionally, and financially. You need to act swiftly and get the right legal advice. The highly experienced Accident and Injuries Team at Rundlewalker is available to you. Simply contact us now to discuss your legal situation and we can advise you of the options available. Please call Roger Henderson on 01392 209218 or email roger.henderson@rundlewalker.com.

Roger has worked closely with many road safety professionals and stakeholders, so he very much supports all road users taking extra care and being respectful to each other whilst on the roads of Devon and Cornwall.

*Latest available dft figures.

Vision Zero’s ambition is to cut road deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2040 - and to reduce current numbers by 50% by 2030.

In 2024, 57 people were killed and 614 seriously injured* on Devon and Cornwall's roads. That number MUST come down. While the region is one of the safest when it comes to road safety, we believe that any death or serious injury is too many.
*Devon & Cornwall Police.

This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
Please note that the law may have changed since this article was published.