Three serious ‘hit-and-run’ cycling incidents in three days
We’ve been horrified here at Cycle Law Scotland to hear of three serious hit-and-run incidents involving cyclists in the space of just a few days in August.
In the space of just three days, Police Scotland issued appeals in relation to three separate collisions involving cyclists and vans that failed to stop.
On 10 August 2026, a 61-year-old woman was knocked from her bicycle at the junction of the A822 and B8063 near Dunkeld by a van towing a white metal trailer, which left the scene following the collision.
The following day, a 36-year-old male cyclist suffered life-threatening injuries after being struck by a vehicle, believed to be a Mercedes Sprinter-type van, while travelling on the A72 from Skirling towards Biggar, with the driver also failing to stop.
Then, on 12 August 2026, a 60-year-old male cyclist sustained serious injuries in a collision with a white van on Takmadoon Road near Berryhill Farm in Kilsyth, after which the van again left the scene. In each case, Police Scotland appealed for witnesses and dash-cam footage as enquiries continued into the circumstances of the collisions and efforts were made to trace the vehicles involved.
As personal injury solicitors, and cyclists ourselves, we understand that collisions can and do happen. However, the thought of an injured cyclist being left at the roadside without assistance is almost unimaginable. Every cyclist heading out for a ride should be able to expect that, if the worst happens, those involved will stop, check on their welfare and ensure that emergency services are contacted where required. Instead, in each of these incidents, the drivers appear to have left the scene, leaving injured riders to deal with the physical and emotional consequences alone. Beyond the obvious human impact, such incidents make it significantly more difficult for victims and their families to obtain answers about what happened and can complicate the process of securing justice and compensation. Our thoughts are with the cyclists involved, and we hope that the ongoing police investigations lead to those responsible being identified and held to account.
What happens if a ‘hit-and-run’ driver cannot be identified?
Whilst we hope that the drivers involved are identified and brought to justice, as a specialist personal injury lawyer, I cannot help but wonder about the financial implications of an injury like this. Serious injuries can leave someone unable to work and suffering financial loss, together with significant rehabilitation and care needs, not to mention the cost of replacing expensive cycling equipment. Leaving aside any criminal charges, if the drivers, and therefore their insurers, cannot be identified, what happens to someone’s right to claim compensation?
If a cyclist is injured in a hit-and-run collision and neither the driver nor vehicle can be traced, that does not necessarily mean they lose their right to claim compensation. A claim may instead be possible through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which provides a route to compensation for people injured by uninsured or untraced drivers.
What is the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB)?
The little known Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) is a body corporate, formed in 1946, which provides compensation to victims of uninsured and untraced drivers where injured persons have been otherwise unable to claim compensation due to a lack of insurance, or the driver is untraced. In a ‘hit and run’ situation, where the driver and vehicle cannot be identified, then an injured person can claim for compensation from the MIB which steps in as a fund of last resort. In certain instances, for untraced drivers, there are some limitations in what can be claimed from the MIB by a person not suffering from ‘significant personal injury’ as defined by the scheme, but in all other circumstances the MIB essentially acts as if it was the insurer for the unknown vehicle.
MIB claims aren’t limited to ‘hit-and-run’ collisions
As well as ‘hit and run’ incidents, the MIB scheme can also be used to cover some more unexpected circumstances. For example, if a road user is involved in an incident caused by a diesel spillage on the road, and it can be proven that the spillage is likely to have come from another vehicle, whose identity is unknown, we can use the MIB scheme to seek compensation for injuries. This is on the basis that the untraced driver whose vehicle spilled diesel on the road surface, was negligent in allowing the spillage to occur. I have also represented a cyclist in a case where a metal fence running along a shared use path had been mangled and was protruding into the path. This presumably happened due to a vehicle negligently colliding with the fence, which was situated near a tight corner. We were able to obtain compensation for our client from the MIB for his injuries and losses which we could show were likely to have been caused by a negligent driver whose identity was unknown.
The MIB schemes are important in allowing access to compensation for those injured due to the negligence of road users. Knowing how dangerous roads can be, the potential for harm, and how heavy the duty is on road users to take care for others, it is certainly good that there is a fund of last resort for those injured by drivers who fail in their duty to stop after an incident or to have insurance.
Where does the MIB’s money come from?
Where does the money come from? A good question. The MIB is funded by the motor insurance industry and therefore ultimately the premiums paid by law abiding motor users, potentially increasing the cost of motor insurance for all, whilst protecting those unfortunate to be involved in an incident with an uninsured or untraced driver.
The problems with making an MIB claim
Despite my support for the MIB in principle, I do have some criticisms. The MIB is underfunded and understaffed. Claims that ought to have taken a few months to resolve if the driver was insured or traced, will take easily threefold longer due to the MIB involvement. Particularly, with an untraced driver, where there is no one to sue, I have no option for my clients but to allow the MIB to take their time to investigate and reach a conclusion. The decisions of the MIB can be appealed to an independent Arbiter, whose decision can take up to a year to arrive. It’s frustrating for me and our clients who often just want to move on from a traumatic incident.
That being said, my experience in representing cyclists is that there are too many ‘hit and run’ instances and whilst I’m glad that the MIB exists, not enough injured cyclists know that it does, and are under the impression nothing can be done if they are involved in an incident with an untraced or uninsured driver.
What should a cyclist do after a ‘hit-and-run’?
My advice to road users involved in such sorry circumstances, is to ensure that the incident is reported and recorded by the Police. Preserve evidence, obtain witness/dash-cam details where possible, and document injuries and losses.
Consult with a specialist solicitor as soon as possible for advice.
Speak to a specialist cycling accident solicitor
Contact Cycle Law Scotland on 0333 555 7783.
Roz Galloway – Associate
Related Articles
VIE Velo: Challenging life through inclusive cycling
Discover how Edinburgh charity VIE Velo is transforming lives through inclusive tandem cycling for visually impaired riders. Solicitor and trustee Jo Clancy-Dodds shares her experience of the club, the friendships
Two Minds, One Start Line: Etape Caledonia 2026
Why I nearly skipped Etape Caledonia 2026, and what the ride reminded me about cycling, health, privilege and perseverance.
New Tram Line, New Risks. Will Roseburn Path users be protected?
The proposed tram extension along The Roseburn Path has become a focal point of public debate in Edinburgh.
Is it worth 5 minutes of your time?
A quick phone call allows us to ask you a few questions about what happened to you and determine whether we can help.
This form collects your name and phone number so that we can contact you. Check out our Privacy Policy for more detail on how we store, process and protect your submitted data. If you choose not to consent, please use an alternative contact method shown on our Contact page.