Cycle safe this winter

Catherine O'Hanlon, Director

Now that the clocks have gone back and the nights have drawn in, cycling may be perceived to be more dangerous than in the lighter evenings of the summer. However, there are some simple things you can do to ensure that you give yourself as much protection as possible when riding your bicycle.

There are many different camps who advocate fluorescent clothing and helmets on bicycles and those who say it makes no difference at all, but what does the law actually say? Well the law on wearing a helmet is contradictory and there seems to be no appetite from the government to actually make wearinga cycle helmet a requirement in law. So what should you be doing to make yourself safe whilst on a bicycle?

The Highway Code says in Rule59 that you should wear in the correct size and securely fastened:

• a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations
• appropriate clothes for cycling - avoid clothes that may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
• light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users see you in daylight and poor light
• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark

In Annex1, it also states that you must have efficient brakes and use front andrear lights at night, along with a red reflector. It does not make any specific mention of wearing a helmet.

There has been research into the use of helmets and their ability to prevent or lessen injuries following a cycling accident. The Transport Research Laboratory found that in most accidents where there were serious head injuries, a cycle helmet would have had a beneficial effect and that they have the potential to prevent a fatal head injury at speeds of up to 15 mph. This report has never been published.

Currently the decision to wear a helmet is yours alone, but if you are involved in an accident on your bicycle and you are not following the advice of the Highway Code, you may find yourself receiving a deduction for your actions in any personal injury claim you decide to make.

For more information about this article or any aspect of our personal injury solutions, please give Catherine O’Hanlon a call on +44 (0) 28 9077 4500 (there is no charge for initial telephone discussions).