{"id":54037,"date":"2023-09-03T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-03T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=239769"},"modified":"2023-09-03T16:35:32","modified_gmt":"2023-09-03T14:35:32","slug":"bike-crash-advice-what-to-do-after-a-cycling-incident","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-crash-advice-what-to-do-after-a-cycling-incident\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike crash advice: what to do after a cycling incident"},"content":{"rendered":"

Essential steps to take following a cycling collision <\/p>

By Jack Evans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Sunday, 03 September 2023 at 14:00 PM<\/p>

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We all love being out on our bikes. But there\u2019s always the risk \u2013 even if slight \u2013 of a crash, either from losing control or as a result of an incident with another road or trail user.<\/p>\n

In the aftermath of a cycling incident, shock, panic and possibly pain can make it hard to think clearly.<\/p>\n

But knowing what to do will help you make the right decisions, whether you\u2019re directly involved in or witness a cycling crash.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve asked a first aid charity, British Cycling and Giant Cycles for their advice on what to do.<\/p>\n

What to do if you crash when cycling<\/h2>\n

Make sure you are safe<\/h3>\n
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Unless you or someone else is seriously injured, move to the side of the road, away from the traffic.<\/span><\/figcaption> Dirk Waem – Pool\/Getty Images<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Immediately after a collision, assess the injuries of yourself and others (if involved).<\/p>\n

James McNulty-Ackroyd, head of clinical projects at St John Ambulance, a charitable first aid organisation that assists the UK\u2019s National Health Service at public events, including organised bike rides, says: \u201cIf you\u2019re uninjured, or have minor injuries, move to the side of the road and to safety as soon as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the same time, if you suspect you have broken a bone, you should keep the affected area still.<\/p>\n

McNulty-Ackroyd adds: \u201cYou can achieve this using blankets or a jacket to support affected arms or legs.<\/p>\n

\u201cA triangular bandage is best for supporting arm fractures, but you can achieve the same effect by tying the arms of a jacket together and putting it over your shoulders to rest your arm in the loop.\u201d<\/p>\n

In an incident involving a car or cars, where you or someone else cannot be moved safely, the paramedic says engines should be turned off and hand brakes and hazard lights switched on.<\/p>\n

Where possible, high-visibility aids, such as jackets and warning triangles, should be used.<\/p>\n

Report the incident if required<\/h3>\n
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In many countries, the police must be informed about road traffic collisions.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If someone is injured (including you) in a road traffic collision in the UK, you have an obligation to report the incident to the police \u201cas soon as reasonably practicable\u201d but within 24 hours.<\/p>\n

In some European Union member countries and American states, it is a legal requirement to report a road traffic collision to the police, even if only property (such as cars) was damaged.<\/p>\n

McNulty-Ackroyd says: \u201cIf your injury is serious (for example, you are unable to move or there is a severe bleed), you should dial 999 and ask for an ambulance.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe police are normally dispatched as a matter of routine to these types of incidents and the ambulance service can inform them directly of any updates from the scene.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your injury is not serious, you can report this to the police online or through calling 101 (the non-urgent police line).\u201d<\/p>\n

If you are unsure about the severity of your injury or need more advice, he adds: \u201cYou can call 111 (the NHS non-urgent line) or you can attend an Urgent Care Centre or Emergency Department yourself.<\/p>\n

\u201cAn ambulance will likely take longer to attend a non-life threatening incident, so it may be sensible to arrange another method of getting to hospital where possible.\u201d<\/p>\n

The best option after crashing on your bike is to stop riding even if you and the bike seem okay.<\/p>\n

However, you may be far from any means of getting home without riding.<\/p>\n

Provided you feel physically fine, Rob Granville, of Carbon Bike Repair, says your bike may be safe to ride as long as you thoroughly inspect the frame for damage<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You should also conduct a basic safety check of your bike, otherwise known as an M check<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Get the other party and witnesses\u2019 details<\/h3>\n
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Swap contact details with people involved in and witness to a crash.<\/span><\/figcaption> Getty<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

If you have been involved in an incident with a pedestrian, motorist or another cyclist, or collided with another person\u2019s property, you should collect their contact details.<\/p>\n

The same applies for people who witnessed the incident, regardless of who was involved.<\/p>\n

This is because the police and insurers may want to speak to them to establish what happened and, if culpability is disputed, who was to blame.<\/p>\n

Liz Murray, British Cycling\u2019s operations and insurance executive, says you should try to make a record of the time and place of the incident, and details of any other vehicles, property or people (third parties) involved.<\/p>\n

In addition, try to note down:<\/p>\n