A fresh worry has emerged for Edinburgh’s tram project - a lawyer is taking the council to court on behalf of 60 clients claiming to have fallen off their bikes due to the tram tracks.
Injuries including broken jaws, cheekbones and collarbones are the responsibility of the council, Stewart White, of Thompsons Solicitors Scotland told the BBC.
Mr White said: ‘There is massive under-reporting from cyclists who are falling off their bikes as a result of hitting tram tracks. Even if a cyclist is uninjured I would urge them to report the fall to the council so we can keep pressure on the council.
‘Cyclists are not being considered as the most vulnerable road user, it's really frightening stuff.’
He added that the design of tramlines and warning signs amounts to negligence by city transport authorities.
The first test case is due to be heard at the Court of Session by November.
In response Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh City Council's transport convener, said: ‘Road safety is of utmost importance to the council and its partners, and we make every effort to communicate this to pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.
‘With the launch of Edinburgh Trams, our 'careful now' campaign successfully targeted other road users to raise awareness of the new service and advise on how best to take precautions when travelling nearby.’
Cyclists are advised to take care in wet conditions and to cross the tracks as close to a right angle as possible, taking extra care to avoid getting wheels caught in between the rail grooves.
The Edinburgh tram project opened in the spring last year - three years late and more than £200m over budget.
