New data has revealed that Dorset Police have recorded a number of injuries sustained in cyclist road accidents over the past year, with varying levels of severity.
According to figures obtained by JF Law, there have been over 200 cyclist casualties in road accidents across Dorset in 2024/25.
With cycling becoming increasingly popular in the UK as an alternative mode of transport or form of exercise, the growing number of cyclists on the roads has highlighted the dangers they face and the likelihood of being involved in road accidents.
Road Traffic Accident Manager for JF Law, Tracy Chick, said, “Unfortunately, the number of cyclists involved in road accidents across the UK remains worryingly high, and we continue to see serious injuries caused by a combination of driver negligence, poor road conditions, and inadequate cycling infrastructure.
“Many of these incidents could be prevented with greater awareness between road users, but the consequences of cycling accidents can be devastating, from broken bones and head injuries to long-term psychological trauma and financial strain during recovery.”
When a cyclist is injured on the road, the police assign a severity to that injury, ranging from slight to serious and then fatal.
In 2024/25, the Dorset Police recorded 217 cyclist injuries on the roads, with no fatalities, 41 serious injuries and 176 slight injuries.
Cyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups on the roads and, despite efforts to improve safety, the number of cyclists killed or injured remains high.
In recent years, there has been a consistent number of bicycle accidents, and according to data released by the Department for Transport in 2023, an average of 2 cyclists were killed and 80 seriously injured every week from 2019 to 2023.
In 2023, 87 pedal cyclists were killed in Great Britain, whilst 3,942 were reported to be seriously injured and 10,970 slightly injured.
JF Law also obtained figures on where the most cyclist road accidents occurred in the Dorset Police’s area of remit in the past three years.
The most accidents occurred in Bournemouth, with 70, followed by Poole, where 66 accidents took place.
A notable trend is the higher rate of bike accidents on urban roads, particularly in London and other major cities. The increased density of vehicles, buses, and pedestrians in urban areas contributes to a greater risk of bicycle accidents, while rural areas tend to have fewer but more severe accidents due to higher vehicle speeds.
Another factor that can lead to cyclist road accidents is poor road conditions as hazardous streets, potholes, and a lack of bike-friendly infrastructure can all lead to crashes and injuries.
Tracy Chick said: “As more people take up cycling across the UK, improving road safety and ensuring justice for injured cyclists must remain a national priority. It’s vital that anyone injured in a cycling accident understands their rights and seeks legal advice as soon as possible.
“If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, whether that’s a motorist, local authority, or another party, they may be entitled to make a compensation claim to help cover medical costs, loss of earnings, and other related damages.”
JF Law provides expert claim and legal advice services for cyclists who may have been involved in a road accident.
They operate a 24-hour helpline and an online claim form, which can be accessed on their website.
