Over 500 cyclists injured on Greater Manchester’s dangerous roads

Fresh data has revealed that cyclists across Greater Manchester have sustained hundreds of injuries in road traffic collisions over the past year, underscoring the risks faced by vulnerable road users.

According to figures obtained by JF Law, more than 500 cyclists were injured in traffic incidents across the region during the 2024/25 period.

As cycling continues to rise in popularity both as a sustainable travel option and a form of exercise, the increasing number of bikes on the road has brought renewed attention to the dangers cyclists encounter daily.

Road Traffic Accident Manager for JF Law, Tracy Chick, said: “Cyclist injuries remain alarmingly high across the UK, with many incidents linked to driver error, unsafe road conditions and inadequate cycling infrastructure.

“A significant proportion of these collisions are preventable through better awareness and consideration among all road users. Tragically, the consequences can be life-altering — from fractures and head injuries to long-term trauma and financial difficulties during recovery.”

Greater Manchester Police categorise cyclist injuries by severity: slight, serious, or fatal.

In 2024/25, officers recorded 540 cyclist casualties, including 188 serious injuries, 350 slight injuries, and no fatalities.

Urban areas continue to see the greatest concentration of cyclist incidents due to higher traffic density, frequent interactions between vehicles and pedestrians, and complex road layouts. Meanwhile, rural roads, although seeing fewer collisions, tend to result in more severe injuries due to higher vehicle speeds.

Despite ongoing efforts to improve cycling safety, casualty figures continue to be a national concern. Department for Transport statistics released in 2023 show that from 2019 to 2023, an average of two cyclists were killed and 80 seriously injured every week in Great Britain.

In 2023 alone, 87 pedal cyclists lost their lives, while 3,942 were seriously injured and 10,970 suffered minor injuries.

JF Law also analysed where cyclist casualties most frequently occurred within Greater Manchester over the past three years. Manchester recorded the highest number of incidents with 198 cases, followed by Trafford with 65.

Poor road surfaces, potholes, and limited dedicated cycling infrastructure also play a major role in cyclist accidents, further emphasizing the need for investment in safer travel routes.

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, it also suggested to get insurance from British Cycling

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