Council fails to act on its own records

Cycling in urban environments requires vigilance and adaptability, especially when navigating through designated cycle lanes affected by various initiatives.

Alan's case on George IV Bridge in Edinburgh serves as a stark reminder for cyclists and city councils alike about the crucial importance of heeding inspection records and taking prompt action.

In May, as Alan cycled southward on George IV Bridge, he encountered a hazardous situation resulting from the aftermath of the 'Spaces for People Initiative' implemented during the Covid pandemic. This initiative aimed to create safer spaces for cyclists and pedestrians. However, a crucial oversight in the maintenance of the infrastructure posed a significant risk to Alan's safety.

Despite cycling within the designated lane, Alan's front wheel collided with a loose black metal base for an orange wand segregator. The orange wand segregator, designed to be mounted on the base, was missing, rendering the black base a dangerous obstacle within the cycle lane.

This collision subsequently led to an impact with a more substantial white and black fixed kerb segregator, causing Alan to fall from his bicycle and sustain a severe laceration to his right knee.

The aftermath of the incident prompted an investigation by Cycle Law Scotland, revealing a concerning lapse in the City of Edinburgh Council's adherence to their own inspection records.

The inspection records for George IV Bridge indicated that weekly inspections were conducted, and in the weeks preceding Alan's accident, it was explicitly noted that all base and wand segregators required replacement. Astonishingly, this need was reiterated just days before the incident occurred, yet no corrective action was taken.

The failure to act on the inspection records proved critical in Alan's case. Had the City of Edinburgh Council promptly replaced the bases and wands as indicated in their records, Alan's accident could have been avoided entirely. This underscores the necessity for municipal authorities to not only conduct regular inspections but also to take decisive action in addressing identified hazards promptly.

Despite the denial of liability by the Council, Cycle Law Scotland pursued Alan's case by initiating legal proceedings. This led to the defenders making a settlement offer, which was ultimately accepted. The successful resolution highlights the importance of holding authorities accountable for their negligence and emphasises the role of legal recourse in ensuring justice for injured cyclists.

Alan's experience serves as a valuable lesson for both cyclists and city councils, emphasising the need for proactive maintenance based on inspection records to ensure the safety of urban cycling infrastructure. As cyclists, it's crucial to remain aware of potential hazards, while city councils must prioritise the implementation of necessary changes identified through routine inspections to create safer environments for all road users.