Cycling accidents are rare. The health benefits of cycling far outweigh the risks. In the unlikely occurrence of an accident think a moment, try to override the fight or flight response, take stock and keep calm.
Secure the safety of the injured and assess your situation. If someone is seriously injured call an ambulance by phoning 999 or 112. If you are not sure phone 111, the none emergency number.
Look after anyone that is injured and consider the safety of the rest of the group. Direct the traffic accordingly. If in a narrow lane you will not know from which direction the ambulance will approach the incident.
If a vehicle is involved obtain the drivers details – name, address, insurance details, vehicle registration, colour, make and model. If an animal is involved try to get the owners name and address.
Take photos to locate the scene. Take several pictures from different angles using your phone. The metadata from a digital phone will also list, among other things, the time that it was taken. If taking photos of a pothole show where it is on the road and put another item by it (drinking bottle) to indicate its depth and size. You can also take photos of, for example, mud on the road, if that caused the accident, or a drivers number plate if they will not exchange details.
If possible get any witnesses of the incident who are willing to give an account of what they saw. This could be crucial if the case goes to court.
If a motor vehicle is involved report the incident to the police as soon as possible and obtain a police incident number. If reporting a pothole contact the local council. The council will also deal with mud on the road and other obstructions.
Hopefully by now you are a member of British Cycling or Cycling U.K. who will deal with the legal implications in the unlikely event of you being involved in an accident.
Calm and delegate
Road traffic control
Assess injury – is there a first aider
Send for an ambulance – call 999 or 111
Help record the incident – photos, witnesses
Emergency number of victim – contact
Details of those involved
