"Volunteers at the cycling club seek assistance, not legal battles; they aim to aid others, not face lawsuits, following an accident involving a car during a time trial, for which the club and CTT were declared not liable."
The recent Raymond Fell v Ben Hetherington and Ferryhill Wheelers case has significant implications for domestic racing and cycling clubs in the UK. The court ruling affirmed that such clubs and organizing bodies are generally not liable for accidents involving cyclists when they conduct events responsibly.
In this 2025 case, Mr. Justice Ritchie ruled that Ferryhill Wheelers and Cycling Time Trials (CTT) were not at fault for a collision where cyclist Ben Hetherington was seriously injured. The accident occurred during a 10-mile time trial when driver Raymond Fell negligently turned into Hetherington's path.
Despite Fell admitting liability for the crash, he unsuccessfully sought to hold the club responsible for inadequate risk assessment, signage, and marshalling. The judge rejected these claims, noting that clear signage was in place and the cyclist was visible. The judge praised the club and CTT for their efforts to responsibly organize the event.
This ruling implies:
- Clubs and volunteers who organize domestic cycling events are not automatically liable for accidents caused by third parties, provided they fulfil reasonable duties like risk assessments and signage.
- The judgement offers legal reassurance to volunteer-run cycling clubs that they can host events without fear of undue liability for external crash risks.
- It supports the principle that time trialling and similar events are valuable community activities, encouraging continued participation and organization by clubs.
This outcome is seen as a boost to domestic racing and cycling clubs because it preserves their crucial role and volunteer involvement in safely facilitating events without disproportionate fear of legal action stemming from accidents outside their control.
One of CTT's riders, Ben Hetherington, suffered life-changing injuries in the accident. During the collision, Hetherington was clearly visible. Fell failed to notice signs on two roundabouts while approaching the accident site, and a large sign was placed immediately in front of him as he made his turn.
CTT welcomes the judgement, which supports volunteer sport. Laura Murphy, a partner at Leigh Day, said the judgement provides helpful and sensible guidance for organizing racing events safely. Fell admitted liability to Hetherington but tried to blame Ferryhill Wheelers for negligent risk assessment, inadequate signage, and insufficient marshalling. The judge rejected Fell's allegations against Ferryhill Wheelers.
The judge stated that time trial clubs are dedicated to benefiting the cycling members of society. The cyclist, Ben Hetherington, was seriously injured when Fell made a right turn across the carriageway, driving into Hetherington's path while Hetherington was riding at 37mph.
Cycling Time Trials (CTT) will review the judgement and make any necessary changes to its guidance and regulations. The case involved a collision between a cyclist and a motor vehicle during a 10-mile time trial. The judge confirmed that time trialling is an activity for the benefit of cycling members of society and dismissed Fell's claim for a contribution.
This ruling is expected to provide a sense of relief and encouragement to domestic racing and cycling clubs across the UK, ensuring their continued contribution to the sport.
References: 1. BBC News, "Cyclist wins £1.2m damages after crash with car", 2025. 2. Cycling Weekly, "Raymond Fell v Ben Hetherington and Ferryhill Wheelers case: What it means for cycling clubs", 2025. 3. The Guardian, "Cycling Time Trials: Clubs not liable for accidents caused by third parties, rules court", 2025.
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