The worsening state of Britain’s roads has been highlighted with the news that a Berkshire cyclist injured in an accident caused by a pothole in the road has been awarded £7,600 in compensation.

Ian Davis, 49, suffered broken ribs, a dislocated shoulder, plus hip and knee injuries, after he hit a pothole and was thrown from his bike while cycling on the B4000 from Lambourn to Newbury in February 2006.

Mr Davis, who was treated in hospital and still requires regular GP care, says: “I’m an avid cyclist and travel this route regularly. On the day of the accident, the weather was clear but the pothole in the road was not visible from my bike. As I went over the pothole, the handlebars from my bike immediately ripped out of my hands, causing me to lose my balance and I crashed to the ground.

“The accident had a significant impact on my lifestyle – I was unable to work for two weeks after the fall and after that, could only work in half capacity for a further six weeks and had to depend on my partner to help keep things afloat. I’m still able to cycle but due to the pain in my left shoulder and arm, I can’t ride for long periods like I used to.”

“Mr Davis’ case is a triumph for cyclists who have suffered injuries due to poorly maintained roads,” said Enid Brenyah, of Russell Jones & Walker, acting solicitor for Mr Davis. “In this instance, West Berkshire County Council denied full liability for the accident – but we were able to prove that they were in breach of their duties under Section 58 of the Highways Act 1980 – which states the highway must not be dangerous to traffic.”