Cyclist hurt hitting pothole told by Council – ‘it’s not our fault’
Sep 16 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner
Cyclist Mark Prior injured after his bike hit a pothole is told by Kirklees Council – ‘it’s not our fault’
A CYCLIST was left with a cracked rib and severe bruising after falling from his bike when he encountered a pothole.
Mark Prior decided to start cycling to work in a bid to keep fit and reduce his carbon footprint.
But two weeks into his cycling he literally hit a problem: the state of the town’s roads.
And he has been told the council does not have an obligation to maintain roads to the extent that they are without defects.
Mr Prior hit the pothole on Lockwood Road in March. His fall left him with a cracked rib and black bruises on his back. He was also in pain for a couple of months.
But, after making a complaint to Kirklees Council six months ago, he’s just been told they’re not liable.
The Holmfirth cyclist said: “Lockwood Road is a particularly bad road – it’s got to be one of the worst for cycling on.
“I wrote to the council and they came back with a letter which said ‘regarding your claim for motor vehicle damage’.
“I came off my bike in front of moving cars! it’s a lot more serious than motor vehicle damage.
