The dangers of cattle grids

Andrew_McP

Andrew_McP

Andrew_McP

Soldato
Joined
21 Apr 2003
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South North West
I know this should be filed under O for obvious and C for common sense, but recently I watched one of the many TV emergency medicine shows, earning new respect for cattle grids and how they can ruin your day.

The cyclist had been out on a chilly, possibly icy day and -- I'm surmising -- slipped as he went onto a grid. Luck wasn't on his side and he face-planted the grid nastily; perhaps at speed. Messed up his lower jaw, teeth and... well, it was a truly horrific injury. There were even complications, sadly, which led to brain damage and severe long term impairment.

One of my regular rides involves several grids. I ride over them a lot more carefully than I used to! And I was already a bit of a wuss.

This has been a public service announcement. Or catharsis... or something.
 
My nearest cat 3 has a grid near the bottom. If you're descending you can easily be doing 30+ going over it. I always make sure to hit it absolutely square on, and I'd never go over it at pace in the wet or ice. I once saw a rider on the ground by it with an ambulance on the scene :/

To be honest, I find it scarier going uphill and having to cross it at low speed. On another ascent of the same hill there's a couple of grids that you cross at low speed as they're on stupid slopes, and it's very nerve wracking as if your wheel goes sideways you are definitely coming off.
 
There's one halfway up The Tumble in Wales. Approached it wet during the Velothon Wales sportive... wasn't best pleased that there was not enough room in front (other riders) to build up speed to glide over it so my back wheel span out while on it but fortunately gained grip before I toppled. Sounded like someone behind wasn't quite so lucky.
 
I've got quite chunky 2.4 inch tyres in the mountain bike which helps, but im always very cautious, you're not going to have a good day if you come off on a grid.
 
Vonhelmet said:
My nearest cat 3 has a grid near the bottom. If you're descending you can easily be doing 30+ going over it. I always make sure to hit it absolutely square on, and I'd never go over it at pace in the wet or ice. I once saw a rider on the ground by it with an ambulance on the scene :/

To be honest, I find it scarier going uphill and having to cross it at low speed. On another ascent of the same hill there's a couple of grids that you cross at low speed as they're on stupid slopes, and it's very nerve wracking as if your wheel goes sideways you are definitely coming off.
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That one can actually be avoided by the gate around the side, its always open, however its usually gravelly. Its on the right going up, awkward and on the left coming down Sheephouse Lane.

I know its potentially dangerous but I still go over them. Perhaps I ought to re-think this.
 
Lethal` said:
There's one halfway up The Tumble in Wales. Approached it wet during the Velothon Wales sportive... wasn't best pleased that there was not enough room in front (other riders) to build up speed to glide over it so my back wheel span out while on it but fortunately gained grip before I toppled. Sounded like someone behind wasn't quite so lucky.
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If that was this years Velothon, I had pretty much the same experience, but did manage to get just enough pace to glide over without loading the pedals too much.

Sounded like there was a hefty crash and much commotion just as I'd passed over.
 
Nullzzz said:
If that was this years Velothon, I had pretty much the same experience, but did manage to get just enough pace to glide over without loading the pedals too much.

Sounded like there was a hefty crash and much commotion just as I'd passed over.
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Yep, this years. I wish I had enough space in front to not have to pedal over it. The climb before the cattle grid was ridiculously busy. I was going up the right hand side trying to maintain a steady cadence but it was tough with riders everywhere :p Fortunately it opened up a little after the cattle grid!
 
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