How to Record a Cycling Incident Clearly

How to preserve a factual, useful record after a cycling collision, near miss, damage or dispute.

Keep it practical

Use a clear, proportionate routine and review it when circumstances change.

Start with the purpose

Move out of danger and deal with injuries first. Call 999 when there is immediate danger, serious injury or another emergency.

Record the date, time, exact location, direction of travel and a short sequence of events. Separate what you observed from assumptions.

When safe, photograph the wider scene, road layout, signs, damage and relevant positions. Preserve original files without editing them.

Record involved people, vehicles, witnesses and official reference numbers. Do not confront anyone or obstruct the road to gather evidence.

Practical checklist