Across Yorkshire’s cities, cycling is becoming more popular than ever. The growth of bike-sharing schemes, electric bikes (e-bikes), and traffic-reduction initiatives is encouraging more people to swap four wheels for two. For many, it’s a cheaper, greener, and healthier way to travel.

But with this welcome shift has come a noticeable increase in cycling-related accidents – not just involving cyclists, but also pedestrians and drivers. And behind many of these incidents lies a shared issue: poor understanding of the rules of the road .

At Switalskis, we support both injured cyclists and pedestrians affected by cycling accidents. Here, we explore why education hasn’t kept pace with cycling’s growth – and what needs to change to keep road users safe.

City cycling: The benefits and the risks

There’s no doubt that cycling offers big benefits: reduced pollution, less congestion, and improved public health. Cities like Leeds, Sheffield, York, and Hull have all invested in making cycling more accessible, through cycle lanes, bike hire schemes and better integration with public transport.

But urban cycling brings unique risks:

• Busy junctions and shared road space
• Poorly maintained roads and confusing signage
• Greater interaction with vehicles, buses and pedestrians
• The rise of inexperienced or casual cyclists, particularly using e-bikes and hire bikes
• Higher speeds from electric or pedal-assisted bikes

The result? More collisions – some involving serious injury.

The education gap – what many cyclists don’t know

From our work with injured cyclists and pedestrians, we’ve seen that many city-based incidents happen because riders don’t fully understand the rules of the road . This is especially common among:

• New cyclists who haven’t had formal training
• Tourists or occasional users of rental bikes
• Teenagers or younger adults using e-bikes at high speeds

Common knowledge gaps include:

• Cycling on pavements is illegal unless signage allows it
• Cyclists must follow traffic signals and one-way systems
• Lights and reflectors are a legal requirement after dark
• Overtaking or turning without signalling can cause confusion and crashes
• Using headphones or phones while cycling reduces awareness and is dangerous

This lack of awareness doesn’t just create safety risks – it can also affect your rights in a claim if you’re involved in an accident.

A rise in e-bike and rental bike misuse

E-bikes and rental bikes make it easier for people to cycle – but they also remove many of the traditional barriers to entry, such as bike ownership or training. As a result, more people are riding on the road without basic safety knowledge.

We’re seeing a rise in accidents caused by:

• Inappropriate or high-speed use of electric bikes
• Users riding rental bikes on footpaths, in pedestrian zones or the wrong way down one-way streets
• Young or inexperienced riders weaving through traffic
• Lack of protective gear, including helmets

While bike hire schemes do promote safety, they don’t typically require any form of training or verification of ability. That leaves many riders dangerously underprepared for city conditions.

What needs to change?

Campaigners, cycling organisations and injury lawyers are increasingly calling for:

• Mandatory safety guidance for rental bike or e-bike users
• Public education campaigns on cyclists’ legal responsibilities
• Stronger enforcement of cycling offences, such as dangerous riding or cycling on pavements
• More investment in safe cycling infrastructure
• Helmet promotion, especially for new riders and e-bike users

Until more is done, urban cycling accidents will continue to rise – and more people will suffer the consequences.

Injured while cycling or by a cyclist? We can help.

At Switalskis, we represent both cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured in avoidable road accidents. We understand the trauma, the physical recovery, and the financial pressure that follow.

We’ve helped people injured in accidents caused by:

• Reckless or inexperienced cyclists
• E-bike misuse or collisions
• Poor road layouts and lack of cycling infrastructure
• Driver negligence, including failure to leave safe passing space

Whether you were on a bike or not, if you were injured due to someone else’s actions, we can help you understand your rights and make a compensation claim. 

We’re here to support you

If you're involved in a cycling accident, either as a cyclist or a pedestrian, we can help you understand your rights and claim any compensation you're due.

Even if you're unsure whether you have a claim, we’re happy to advise you – with no pressure and no jargon.

For expert legal advice and support after a cycling accident, call 0800 138 0458 email help@switalskis.com or fill out the form below.