A cycling crash can be frightening and overwhelming. One moment you are riding as normal, and the next you may be sitting on the roadside feeling shaken, hurt, or confused. If you have been involved in a cycling collision or incident, knowing what to do can make a real difference to your health, your safety, and your legal position.
This guide explains, in simple terms, what you should do if you have a cycling crash in the UK. It is written to help you stay calm, take the right steps, and protect yourself both physically and legally.
Put Your Safety First
The very first thing you should think about is safety.
If you can, move yourself out of the flow of traffic. A safe place might be the pavement, a nearby verge, or the side of the road. If you feel dizzy, light-headed, or unsteady, sit or lie down, but stay away from moving vehicles.
Do not worry about your bike straight away. Your health matters much more than your bicycle or any damage that has been caused.
Check for Injuries – Do Not Rush Away
After a crash, adrenaline can mask pain and symptoms. You might think you are fine when you are not.
Take time to check yourself carefully. Look for cuts, swelling, bruising, pain in your head, neck, back, arms, or legs. Also check on anyone else involved in the incident.
If there is any chance of a head injury, concussion, broken bones, or serious pain, call 999 immediately. If you are unsure about the severity of your injuries, it is safer to get medical help rather than risk making things worse.
Do not simply get back on your bike and ride away. Many cycling injuries are not obvious at first.
Call for Help If Needed
If someone is injured, even if they are still able to walk, you should call emergency services on 999.
For urgent medical advice when it is not an emergency, you can contact NHS 111. They can guide you on what to do next and whether you need to attend A&E or see a GP.
Getting medical help promptly is important not only for your recovery, but also because medical records can later act as evidence if you need them.
Know Your Legal Rights and Duties After a Cycling Collision
If your cycling crash involved another road user, such as a car, motorbike, van, or even another cyclist, there are legal rules that apply.
Under UK law, anyone involved in a road traffic collision must stop and exchange details. These duties apply regardless of who you think was at fault.
After a collision, the parties involved must:
- Stop at the scene
- Provide names and addresses of the driver and/or registered keeper
- Provide the vehicle registration number
- Provide insurance details if someone is injured
If injuries are caused and details are not exchanged at the scene, the incident must be reported to the police within 24 hours. If insurance details are not provided at the scene, they must be given to the police within 7 days.
These obligations are strict. A driver who drives away after giving only a first name or phone number is treated in the same way as a driver who fails to stop.
Report the Incident to the Police
If anyone is injured or there is damage, you should report the cycling crash to the police.
This may happen at the scene if officers attend. If not, you should report it as soon as possible and in any event within 24 hours.
When speaking to the police:
- Ask for an incident or reference number
- Note the officer’s name, collar number, and station if they attend
- Stay calm and polite, even if you feel upset or angry
Police records can be important if the circumstances of the crash are later disputed.
Identify the Correct Person Involved
One of the most important steps after a cycling crash is identifying who caused the incident.
Drivers and passengers can sometimes try to switch roles after a collision. To avoid confusion, do what you can to confirm identities.
If possible:
- Take a photo of the vehicle and the driver
- Write down names, addresses, and insurance details
- Record the registration number, vehicle colour, and make or model
Avoid admitting fault or apologising, either verbally or in writing. Even casual comments made at the roadside can later be used against you.
Gather Witness Details
Witnesses can make a huge difference, especially where there are conflicting versions of events.
If anyone saw what happened, ask for:
- Their full name
- Address
- Phone number
Even a brief independent account can support your version of events later. Try to do this politely and calmly while the incident is still fresh.
Take Photos and Videos of Everything
Photographic evidence is incredibly valuable after a cycling crash.
If you can, take photos of:
- The accident scene
- The positions of vehicles
- Damage to your bicycle and other vehicles
- Any visible injuries
- Road signs, markings, or nearby landmarks
Make sure to note the date, time, and weather conditions. Try to show exactly where the collision happened by including fixed features such as street signs or buildings.
If you have an on-bike camera, save the footage immediately. If other vehicles may have dash cams, make a note of this so the footage can be traced later.
Check for Damage to Your Bike and Equipment
Your bicycle and cycling equipment are important evidence.
Take clear photos of any damage to:
- Your bike frame and wheels
- Helmet
- Clothing
- Lights, phone mounts, or accessories
Do not repair, throw away, or replace damaged items until you have been advised to do so. Keep everything safe in case inspection is needed.
Also make a list of damaged items and note their approximate age. Compensation is usually based on the value at the time, not the cost of buying new replacements.
Keep Records of All Expenses
A cycling crash can lead to unexpected costs, which are often overlooked.
You should keep records of:
- Taxi or public transport fares
- Prescription charges and medication
- Medical appointments
- Bike repairs or replacement quotes
- Any equipment you had to replace
Also consider the time and help given by family or friends. Assistance with chores, transport, or care during recovery has value and should not be ignored.
Keeping clear records makes it much easier to explain your losses later.
Seek Medical Attention Even for Minor Injuries
Even if your injuries seem minor, it is wise to seek medical advice.
Visit:
- Your GP
- A walk-in centre
- A&E, if required
Medical notes provide independent proof of when and how you were injured. Some cycling injuries become worse over time, and early diagnosis can prevent long-term problems.
Do not minimise symptoms or delay treatment. Your health should always come first.
Special Cases: Other Cyclists and Micro-Mobility Users
Not all cycling crashes involve cars.
Incidents can also involve:
- Other cyclists
- Mobility scooters
- E-scooters
The same basic steps apply: check for injuries, exchange details where possible, gather evidence, and report to the police if required.
Because micro-mobility users often have no formal identification or insurance, things can be more difficult if they leave the scene. In such cases, record as much information as you can and report the incident promptly.
Crashes Caused by Potholes and Road Defects
A crash does not always involve another person. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or damaged surfaces, can also cause serious cycling accidents.
If a road defect caused your crash:
- Take clear photos of the defect
- Include an object for scale, such as a bottle
- Measure the defect if you can
- Photograph wider views showing location
Local councils may be responsible for maintaining roads. If poor maintenance caused your injury or bike damage, the council may be liable.
Report road defects as soon as possible and keep evidence of the condition at the time of your crash.
Stay Calm and Protect Yourself
After a cycling crash, emotions can run high. You may feel angry, embarrassed, or shaken.
Try to stay calm and focused. Avoid arguments at the scene and do not let pressure force you into making statements you later regret.
By keeping a clear head, gathering evidence, and following the correct steps, you put yourself in the strongest possible position to recover and move forward.
Final Thoughts
A cycling crash is never pleasant, but being prepared can make the experience far less stressful. By knowing what to do, you protect your health, your rights, and your future.
If you remember one thing, let it be this: your safety comes first, and clear information is your best protection. Taking the right steps at the right time can make all the difference.