Edinburgh tram tracks and cycling accidents

Edinburgh’s tram network has become an important part of the city’s transport system, helping thousands of people travel across the capital every day. However, where tram tracks run along roads shared with other traffic, they can present a particular hazard for cyclists.

At Cycle Law Scotland, we regularly assist cyclists who have suffered injuries in accidents involving Edinburgh’s tram tracks. If you have been injured while cycling on or around the tram network, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and associated losses.

Why do cycling accidents happen on tram tracks?

Tram tracks on roads shared with cyclists and other traffic can create particular risks. Bicycle tyres can slip on the smooth surface of the rails, particularly when wet, while a wheel can become caught in the groove alongside the rail.

Cyclists can encounter problems when:

• A wheel slips on a wet tram rail.
• A bicycle tyre becomes caught in the track groove.
• The bike is forced to follow the direction of the rail.
• Traffic or the road layout prevents the cyclist from crossing the tracks at a safe angle.

When this happens, a cyclist can lose control and be thrown from their bike with little or no warning.

Crossing tram tracks at 90 degrees is not always possible

Cyclists are often advised to cross tram tracks at as close to a 90-degree angle as possible to reduce the risk of their wheels becoming caught in the tracks.

While this may be sensible advice, the reality on Edinburgh’s busy streets can be very different.

Heavy traffic, parked vehicles, narrow carriageways, junction layouts and the position of the tram tracks themselves can leave cyclists with little opportunity to alter their road position or approach the tracks at a safer angle.

A cyclist may therefore find themselves having to negotiate tram tracks while also considering surrounding traffic, pedestrians, parked vehicles and other road hazards.

Can you make a personal injury claim after a tram track accident?

At Cycle Law Scotland, we have extensive experience representing cyclists injured in accidents involving Edinburgh’s tram tracks.

These can be complex claims. Establishing whether compensation can be recovered will depend on the individual circumstances of the accident, including where and how it happened and the layout of the road and tram infrastructure.

Our specialist cycling solicitors understand the particular issues these cases can present. We have successfully recovered substantial compensation for cyclists who have suffered injuries ranging from soft tissue damage to multiple fractures requiring surgery and prolonged recovery.

A successful personal injury claim may include compensation for:

• Pain, suffering and injury.
• Loss of earnings.
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs.
• Bicycle and equipment damage.
• Care and assistance.
• Other financial losses and expenses arising from the accident.

Specialist cycling accident solicitors in Scotland

Cycle Law Scotland specialises in representing injured cyclists. Our knowledge of cycling, road design and the particular hazards cyclists face allows us to investigate the circumstances of an accident in detail and identify the issues that may be relevant to a claim.

If you have been injured in a cycling accident involving Edinburgh’s tram tracks, speak to us before assuming that it was simply an unfortunate accident or that you were responsible because your wheel slipped or became caught in the tracks.

Contact Cycle Law Scotland

If you have been injured while cycling on or around Edinburgh’s tram lines, our specialist cycling accident solicitors can advise you on whether you may have a claim for compensation.

Contact Cycle Law Scotland today for specialist advice and support.