Injured in a Cycle Lane Accident? Know Your Rights

Introduction

Cycle lanes are designed to keep cyclists safe, but when they’re ignored by drivers, poorly maintained, or badly designed, serious accidents can happen. Being knocked off your bike in a cycle lane is not only painful and frightening, but often completely avoidable.

If you’ve been injured in a cycle lane accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Our specialist solicitors can help you bring a claim on a no win no fee basis, holding the responsible party to account and helping you recover from the impact on your health, work and life.

Osbornes Law has decades of experience helping cyclists injured through no fault of their own. We’ll provide clear advice, practical support, and expert representation from day one.

If your injury happened outside a designated cycle lane, please visit our main cycling injuries claims page

Understanding cycle lane accidents

Cycle lanes are created to reduce risk for cyclists, but they’re not always respected by other road users. Some are segregated and protected by kerbs or bollards, while others are simply marked by paint. Either way, they are meant to give cyclists a safer space on the road.

Unfortunately, many accidents happen because motorists drive or park in cycle lanes, fail to check for cyclists when turning or opening doors, or overtake without giving enough space.

Common causes of cycle lane accidents include:

• Vehicles entering the cycle lane illegally
• Dooring accidents (when a driver opens their car door into a cyclist’s path)
• Drivers turning left across the path of a cycle lane
• Obstructions such as parked cars, roadworks or debris
• Poorly maintained or badly designed cycle lanes

Who is responsible for your accident?

In most cases, a motorist or local authority may be legally responsible for a cycle lane accident. Motorists are under a duty to take reasonable care and follow the rules of the road, including respecting the presence of cyclists in designated lanes.

In some cases, the fault lies with poor road design or lack of maintenance, in which case a claim may be made against the local council or highways authority.

If you’re unsure who is to blame, our legal team can investigate and advise on your options.

Can I still claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Even if you were doing something that may have contributed to the accident – for example, not signalling or riding in a non-mandatory lane – you may still be entitled to compensation. This is called contributory negligence, and it simply means your compensation might be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

We can help you understand where you stand and ensure your claim is presented as strongly as possible.

Case study: cyclist hit in London cycle lane

Our client was cycling in a London cycle lane when a vehicle exited a side road and drove directly into his path. The collision knocked him unconscious, and the driver failed to stop at the scene.

Solicitor Blanca Diego brought a successful claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) Untraced Agreement. The cyclist had suffered whiplash, back injuries, loss of teeth, and psychological trauma including PTSD and situational anxiety

We secured an interim payment to fund urgent CBT treatment and settled the claim for nearly £35,000, covering general damages, dental work and ongoing care. Read the full story here: £35,000 Compensation for Cyclist Injured in London Cycle Lane

Blanca commented:

“Cycle lanes should offer protection for cyclists. This wholly avoidable crash, and the long-lasting psychological effects, show why securing proper compensation and treatment is so important.”

What to do after a cycle lane accident

If you’re involved in a cycling accident in a cycle lane:

• Get medical attention, even if your injuries seem minor
• Report the incident to the police
• Take photos of the scene, your bike, and any visible injuries
• Collect details of the driver or any witnesses
• Preserve evidence like your helmet or damaged bike parts

Speak to a solicitor as soon as possible. The earlier we can begin working on your claim, the better the chances of gathering strong evidence.

Can I claim on a no win no fee basis?

Yes. Most of our cycling accident claims are handled on a no win no fee agreement, meaning you pay nothing unless your claim is successful.

We will explain any potential costs upfront and make sure you’re fully informed before moving forward.

How we can help

At Osbornes Law, we understand how disruptive and distressing a cycling injury can be. Our team includes specialists in cycling accident claims, with a strong track record of securing compensation for clients hurt in cycle lanes.

We will:

• Assess your case in a free initial consultation
• Investigate who was at fault
• Work to recover damages for your injuries, lost income and other losses
• Keep you informed and supported throughout your claim

Contact our cycle lane accident solicitors

If you’ve been knocked off your bike in a cycle lane, speak to one of our friendly, expert solicitors today.

• Call us on 020 7485 8811, or
• Fill out our online enquiry form for a no-obligation consultation.

Related resources:

• Knocked off my bike by a car
• Cycling accidents involving car dooring
• Bike accidents caused by potholes
• Cycling accidents at roundabouts
• Highway Code for cyclists