I don't want to be negative about this but....
The weather has been atrocious for the last few days as we all know yet you somehow managed to ride into/over a fallen branch on a cycle path? I haven't got all the facts (like what is an untrimmed branch, a fallen branch or a growing branch that protrudes into the path?) but my initial reaction to your tale is why didn't you watch where you were going as a fallen branch would not be entirely unexpected? It appears to be a case of riding without due care unless you can explain differently.
IMO you will just have to stand the cost of your apparent carelessness and next time be a bit more cautious. Why would the council foot the bill?
It is a dimly lit area at the quayside, and there was a branch protruding from a tree at about ankle height (it was dark and despite my lights i didn't see it). I don't often take the route because the council are redeveloping the waterfront which means the route through this area changes every week or so. You have to be diligent to make sure you don't end up riding onto the road. I was on my guard and went past two pedestrians, only to suddenly end up flat on my back. Look
here. The offending tree is just alongside the cyclist on the left. How would i spot a branch at that height in the dark? A poorly lit area with foliage left untrimmed. It's a freak accident I'll give you that, but it is still the council's responsbility to maintain their paths and roads so that injuries don't occur.
I'm fairly sure that that's some substantial damage i've taken here and i'm quite lucky i've not ended up with more than just a cut on my shin.
You sir are a complete tit ! An envoy for this countrys blame culture molly coddled self-gratification artist who thinks anything that happens to them is someone elses fault , not their own ! Be responsible for your own actions
Not sure if this is a piss-take or not, but i am more than responsible for my own actions. That said, i can't afford a new wheel, and i'm fairly sure this one isn't salvageable. The council take my money for public services, i'd like it if they kept the paths in a decent order, reasonable well-lit and next time i'll be able to avoid the bloody tree. And if they can't do that in a suitable fashion then i'll bill them for damages from having used their poor-kept paths.