Cyclists who suffered broken bones and ligament damage after slipping on Edinburgh's tram tracks are taking legal action against the city council.

Up to 60 bikers who received breaks, sprains and fractures after accidents around the city's transport system are taking legal action following their injuries.

Thompsons solicitors say the design of tram lines and warning signs amount to negligence by city transport authorities.

If claimants are successful, the council could be forced to pay out up to £10,000 for each individual case, leading to a potential bill of more than £500,000.

The first test case is due to heard at the Court of Session within months.

A third of cyclists making claims sustained fractures or breaks in falls -- three with broken collarbones and three with broken wrists.

One biker suffered broken toes after being run over by a bus. The rest received cuts, bruises, sprains or ligament damage.

Stewart White, an associate dealing with accident claims Thomson Solicitors, said: "We're confident of proceeding and that a successful judgement will pave the way for settling the remainder.

"The council have repudiated liability in every case. The position has been that the tram tracks are there to be seen, and that's it.

"That's simply not good enough. The bottom line is that they have removed cycling provision and they have replaced it with the tram system, which is essentially a railway through the city centre.

"What's a cyclist supposed to do in that environment?"

Mr White accused the council of not keeping the roads safe for all users.

He added: "They've done very little to accommodate cyclists. I think cyclists have been pretty far down the chain when they've been considering health and safety."

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Edinburgh's transport convener, said the council could not comment on pending legal cases.

But she added: "In terms of cycling, the council advises anyone cycling near to and around the tram tracks should take care while they get used to them, especially in wet weather conditions as the tracks will be slippery."