Case Study: Cyclist broke both elbows and jaw after hitting ‘road safety measure’

Megan Lambert

Greg Simmons, 36, was cycling in Edmonton, North London in February 2025 when his wheel struck a plastic lane divider in a cycle lane on Hertford Road. The divider had no safety wand, no reflectors, and was the same colour as the road. He was catapulted over his handlebars into the carriageway.

He went to A&E with chin and knee injuries. Doctors discovered he had broken both elbows. A later X-ray revealed a hairline fracture of the jaw.

Greg, a screenwriter, is still unable to fully straighten his left arm more than a year on. Doctors have told him he has suffered approximately 20% muscle loss to the arm. As a left-handed person, the long-term impact has been significant.

He described the moment of the crash:

“I looked to pull around a bus and the next minute I was flying through the air over my handlebars. It was just a split second but felt like it lasted for ages and I remember thinking ‘this isn’t going to be good’.”

Greg added:

“I am lucky that there wasn’t any traffic as I could have been killed. This could happen to somebody else who may not be as lucky.”

Enfield Council, which installed the divider, told Greg it was not defective because it was not designed to have a pole. Greg disputes that position:

“The divider is so dangerous without a wand. It’s the same colour as the road and has no reflectors, making it almost impossible to spot when travelling at speed, especially when coupled with other dividers that do have wands. The safety measures are really inconsistent.”

He is now pursuing a personal injury claim against Enfield Council through Osbornes Law. The council has denied liability.

Megan Lambert, a specialist personal injury lawyer at Osbornes Law, said:

“My client suffered serious injuries through no fault of his own because of a safety measure that the council installed. He has suffered considerable harm and distress, which has been compounded by the council denying liability. I would urge them to reconsider their position and settle this matter as soon as possible.”

Osbornes Law has previously acted for cyclists injured by similar road safety measures. In 2025, the firm successfully represented Richard Lander, who was thrown from his bike by a comparable lane divider in Croydon and won his case against Croydon Council.

Media coverage

Greg’s case was reported by the London Evening Standard: Cyclist launches legal action against London council after hitting cycle safety measure in horrific accident.

If you have been injured in a cycling accident, our personal injury team can advise you on your options.

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