How to stay safe cycling in summer

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Cycling injuries requiring emergency treatment have increased by 16% over the past two decades, with common causes including improper helmet use, poor visibility, excessive speed, and distractions. Experts emphasize that adopting safety measures such as correctly wearing helmets, using lights and high-visibility clothing, managing speed, maintaining equipment, and avoiding distractions can significantly reduce preventable accidents as cycling becomes more popular.

As the warmer months encourage more people to take to cycling, safety experts are emphasizing the importance of precautionary measures to reduce the risk of injury on the road. Daniela Burlacu, a consultant in emergency medicine and clinical director at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, highlights common mistakes that often result in cyclists requiring emergency medical treatment.

Official statistics indicate a 16% rise in serious cyclist injuries between 2004 and 2024; however, the true extent is likely higher as cyclists are not legally required to report non-fatal injuries to authorities. Burlacu points to several preventable factors contributing to these incidents.

One major concern is the improper use of helmets. While helmets cannot prevent all head injuries, they significantly reduce the severity of trauma in collisions. Many patients arriving at emergency departments with head injuries are either not wearing helmets or have them improperly fastened. The strap beneath the chin is crucial to keep the helmet securely in place during impact. Burlacu also notes that cyclists sometimes forgo helmets because they underestimate the risks or simply do not have one available. Aside from vehicle collisions, hazards such as potholes, debris, or animals on the road pose substantial risks that can lead to falls and head injuries. For individuals on blood-thinning medications, head trauma can be particularly dangerous, potentially causing serious brain bleeds.

Visibility is another key factor in cycling safety. Burlacu advises riders to wear high-visibility clothing and ensure their bicycles are equipped with functioning lights, particularly during low-light conditions or nighttime. Many accidents stem from drivers failing to notice cyclists in time, making visibility measures critical for prevention.

Speed management also plays a significant role. Accidents involving cyclists being propelled over handlebars often relate to excessive speed. This can result in severe abdominal injuries when striking the handlebars, including trauma to organs such as the spleen and kidneys. Burlacu stresses that cyclists may not always be aware of their speed, unlike drivers who monitor their velocity more closely.

Regular maintenance of bicycles is equally important to avoid accidents caused by equipment failure. Ensuring brakes function well, tires are in good condition, and lights operate correctly is recommended, especially for frequent riders who should perform checks at least every two weeks.

Finally, Burlacu warns against distractions while cycling, particularly the use of noise-cancelling earbuds or mobile phones. These devices can limit awareness of the surrounding environment, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

With cycling on the rise, especially during summer weekends, experts call for greater attentiveness and adherence to safety practices to help reduce preventable injuries and fatalities on the roads.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.