Potholes are an annoyance for drivers and can cause damage to vehicles.

For cyclists they pose an even greater threat, that of injury and even death.

Since 2007 the number of cyclists seriously injured or killed each year as a result of potholes has shown a steadily worsening trend.

In 2007 17 cyclists were killed or seriously injured. By 2016 this figure was 64. Over the nine-year period 22 deaths and 368 serious injuries were recorded.

Cyclists are more likely to encounter potholes as the majority are on the edge of the carriageway and are more common on the smaller, quieter back roads we prefer to use.

In Worcestershire these roads are only inspected annually whereas the main roads are inspected monthly.

That’s why its important all road users report any dangerous potholes so they can be fixed more quickly. There are now two options for doing this.

As Highway Authority the County Council has an online reporting tool on its website, worcestershire.gov.uk.

All you need to do is click through on the ‘Report’ and ‘Potholes’ buttons. There’s also a useful video to show you how to complete the form.

Once reported major defects should be fixed within 1-24 hours and others between seven and 28 days.

Only holes over 200mm in diameter (the size of a dinner plate) and 40mm deep (the depth of a fist) will be filled. They will however fill linear cracks that a bike wheel could get caught in and clear away debris.

The national charity Cycling UK offers an iPhone and android ‘Fill That Hole’ app that makes it easier to report potholes in situ. The App is easy to use and automatically sends your report to the appropriate Highway Authority.

This means it can be used for reporting potholes and road defects anywhere in the UK. Its also useful for motorists to have too.

You can download your free app from fillthathole.org.uk