It is now undeniable that Edinburgh's tram tracks are hazardous to cyclists and have the potential to cause serious and fatal injuries.
The problems with the tramlines are numerous, and include:
- Slippery tracks
- Poor lighting
- Poor signage
- The ease with which bike tyres become stuck in the track
- The absence of segregated cycling and tram lanes
If you or someone close to you has suffered a tram related cycling injury that you believe to be attributable in any way to the problems listed above, contact Thompsons' cycle accident solicitors for more information.
Getting the Balance Right
Public transport infrastructure is undoubtedly a good thing. Not only does it enable fast, efficient and cheaper travel for all, it also is environmentally friendly and therefore places less of a burden on the planet and has the potential to make our towns and cities nicer places to be.
However, public transport infrastructure can only be considered as successful if it safely integrates with other transportation options, particularly those which bring social and environmental benefit – i.e. walking and cycling.
As a firm of cycling accident solicitors with offices based within walking distance of Edinburgh's tram system Thompsons is well-placed to understand both the cycling accident hazards presented by the capital's tram system and the unnecessary strain this is placing on health services.
2018 Report Highlights Cycling Dangers of Edinburgh Trams
In 2018, cycling injury specialist surgeon Professor Chris Oliver co-authored a report which revealed that between May 2009 and April 2016 more than 251 cyclists required medical attention as a result of injuries sustained in accidents involving trams or tram tracks.
Furthermore, the study revealed the following data:
The study into Tram System Related Cycling Injuries (TSRCI) followed an accident in which a 23-year-old Malaysian medical student sustained fatal injuries when her bike's wheels became lodged in tracks at a junction adjoining Princes Street and Lothian Road.
Professor Oliver has previously called on Edinburgh bosses to urgently "segregate the dangerous hotspots".
City of Edinburgh Council has said that it is trying to address the issue and has stressed that it is "of utmost importance to the Council". However, until such time as the infrastructure is more safely and intelligently redesigned, such statements are likely to have only limited impact on the reality of cyclists negotiating the city's tramlines.
Cycling Accident Solicitors in Edinburgh
Councils and highway managers are obliged to ensure that tramlines are constructed and designed in such a way that other road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, are not placed at risk of avoidable harm.
Thompsons Solicitors in Edinburgh can help clients claim for injuries sustained on tramlines and can help investigate and prove all the elements that are essential to a claim, including poor design, construction or signage flaws, negligence, breaches of duty of care and more.
In addition, we can help collect evidence from witnesses and, when necessary, instruct experts to support the claim.
For more information about how we may be able to help you, contact us today on 0800 0891 331.
