Potholes: The hidden danger on UK roads

January 20, 2025

Large pothole on UK rural road.

Potholes are a defining feature of UK streets, with an estimated one million scarring the road network at any given time. For cyclists, they are a genuine hazard capable of causing damage and serious injury.

Under the Highways Act 1980, local authorities are legally required to maintain the roads to a safe standard. If a cyclist is injured or their bike damaged due to a pothole, councils can be held accountable. However, the burden of proof falls on the victim to demonstrate that the authority failed in its duty to inspect or repair the road.

In reality, this means cyclists must often photograph the offending pothole, record its location, and submit evidence of the incident. Even with thorough documentation, claims can be rejected if the council argues it had not been made aware of the pothole or had inspected it recently. The patchy and reactive nature of road maintenance in many areas leaves cyclists vulnerable, with little recourse but to foot the bill themselves.

Why cycle insurance matters

This is why a comprehensive cycle insurance policy is invaluable. In a country where pothole-related claims against councils can quickly become a bureaucratic uphill battle, having the right insurance means one less thing to worry about.

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There's nothing new about the pothole problem. Back in 2010, we unveiled a custom bike designed to tackle everything that Britain’s roads got throw at it. Among its striking features was a caterpillar track rear wheel to tackle potholes.

While the caterpillar track may not have been a practical solution, it underscored an important point: the state of our roads is incompatible with the government’s ambitions to boost cycling. Encouraging more people to travel by bike requires more than words; it demands investment in well-maintained, pothole-free infrastructure.

Another unusual response to the pothole problem came in the form of Lumigrids, a handlebar-mounted LED light for bicycles. Designed by researchers at Sichuan University in 2013, the light projects a square grid onto the road ahead, allowing cyclists to spot potholes and surface deformities at night. Any significant irregularity in the road alters the appearance of the grid, providing a clear visual cue to the rider.

More investment in pothole repairs

Questionable tech solutions aside, local councils are to receive an additional £500 million this year to tackle potholes, but in the meantime cyclists can take steps to protect themselves. Reporting potholes through websites like FixMyStreet and the government's own online reporting tool can help ensure they are logged and repaired, while a good cycle insurance policy offers an a safety net. But ultimately, this is a problem that demands systemic long-term change. After all, well-maintained roads benefit everyone, not just cyclists.

Broken down due to pothole damage?

Even the shortest journey comes to an abrupt halt if you can't fix a flat tyre, broken chain or buckled wheel at the roadside. It's why 30 years ago we launched Cycle Rescue  - the first breakdown cover policy for bicycles.

If you suffer a breakdown (including punctures, or even a flat battery) while out cycling, or are unable to continue due to an injury, our 24-hour Cycle Rescue team is on hand to arrange transport for you and your bicycle to a safe location.

Cycle Rescue costs only £24 per year with no hidden extras to pay if your bicycle suffers a breakdown.

Get Cycle Rescue for free when you buy ETA cycle insurance

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
Cycle Rescue
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)

cargo e-bike being carried on the back of a large breakdown recovery lorry


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The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

Information correct at time of publication.

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