A recent survey undertaken by Cycling Scotland found that just over one in three people interviewed across the country had access to a bicycle, confirming that cycling continues to be a popular way of getting from A to B. And it’s easy to see why.
The health perks of cycling are seemingly endless. Less traffic on our roads leads to a reduction in emissions, meaning an improvement in air quality. And let’s not forget the bonus for your pocket when you don’t have to fork out for fuel or public transport.
With such a positive emphasis on healthy and sustainable living in 2025, it’s difficult to imagine a negative side to cycling in Scotland. However, recent data revealed there were 382 pedal bike casualties in 2024, three of which were fatal accidents. The fact of the matter is that, even with the addition of more cycle lanes in urban areas and changes to the Highway Code, cycling is an inherently risky method of getting about.
So, whether you’re a keen cyclist or new to the world of two-wheeled commuting, it’s important to understand the main causes of bicycle accidents. This gives you the best chance at taking preventative action to stay safe on Scottish roads.
5 most common causes of bicycle accident claims in Scotland
1 – Other road users driving dangerously
Cyclists are more exposed than most other road users, and so have less protection than drivers and passengers in cars, vans and buses. Because of this, the actions of other drivers must be taken into account when prioritising your own safety as a cyclist. Close overtaking, dooring (opening a vehicle door without making sure the road is clear) and not checking blind spots are all actions of other road users that can pose a risk to a cyclist’s safety.
In 2023, Cycling Scotland anaylsed data collected by police from road traffic collisions and found that in accidents involving both bicycles and vehicles, “the person driving the vehicle is more often at fault, with 73% of factors contributing to a collision assigned to the driver”.
With this in mind, it’s important to look out for the actions of other drivers while cycling, to anticipate any potential accidents. Other common cases of driver negligence leading to cycling injuries can include speeding and not paying attention at junctions like roundabouts, crossroads and T-junctions.
2 – Road surface and conditions
Poor road maintenance resulting in uneven road surfaces, potholes, and loose grit and gravel on the tarmac surface can greatly increase the risk of being involved in a cycling accident. As cyclists come across unexpected changes in the road surface, they may have to veer suddenly to avoid any dips, holes, or loose materials, often into incoming traffic.
Adverse weather conditions can make a big difference to road surfaces too. Black ice and snow in the hard Scottish winters can make for less-than-suitable cycling conditions. Heavy rain can have an impact, with flood water hiding manhole covers and potholes from view of the cyclist.
3 – Poor visibility
Differing levels of visibility can affect travel for everyone, but it can end up being especially dangerous for more exposed road users, like cyclists. Weather conditions such as fog, rain, bright sunshine and low light can all contribute to cycling accidents, where drivers can find it more difficult than usual to spot a cyclist.
Wearing suitable Hi-Viz clothing and having adequate lights and reflectors on your bike can help to keep you safe at different times throughout the day, in different types of light and weather conditions, by making you more noticeable to other drivers.
4 – Unsuitable cycling infrastructure
Local governments in urban areas are being called upon to increase investment in cycling infrastructure across Scottish cities to ensure that commuters can avail of a safer space to travel. Some headway has been made in Edinburgh recently, with dedicated cycle lanes being introduced in areas across the city. However, some have been quite vocal when questioning just how safe these lanes are. For instance, the cycle lanes on Leith Walk, connecting Edinburgh to the north east of the city, have faced harsh criticism with many branding them the “worst bike lanes in the world” due to their poor design. Better planning and design of cycling infrastructure in urban areas is key to ensuring that cyclists avoid injury on what should be a safe commute.
5 – Cyclist behaviour
It is also important to make sure that, as a cyclist, you also pay heed to the rules of the road and cycle safely. Not using designated bicycle lanes, cycling on pavements, weaving in and out of traffic and ignoring red lights can all put your safety in jeopardy, as well as the safety of other road users. As mentioned earlier, while the majority of bicycle accident claims can be attributed to the dangerous driving of cars, tractors and HGV’s, it’s important to remember that biking safely and respecting the Highway Code is just as important for cyclist safety on Scottish roads.
Common cycling accident injuries
As with any road traffic accident, potential injuries suffered following a cycling accident can vary from minor to life-threatening. From our personal injury team’s experience of handling bicycle accident claims, the most common injuries found to be suffered in cycling accidents include
- Minor cuts and bruises
- Soft tissue damage
- Broken and fractured bones, including in the arm, leg and pelvis
- Head and brain trauma
- Spinal injuries
No matter how minor or severe you believe your injury is, it’s important to make sure you are checked over by a registered medical professional. Your health and wellbeing comes first. Getting medical advice for your injuries as soon as possible gives you the best chance of recovery.
If you are reading this, and a member of your family has suffered a fatal injury, contact our cycling accident solicitors for information on how we can support your fight for justice.