The mangled bike after the accident in St George’s Esplanade. Its rider escaped without serious injury. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0571621)
A CYCLIST who walked away without serious injury after a van spun into him following a collision says his helmet saved him.
The accident, which made the front page of the Guernsey Press, occurred in St George’s Esplanade, opposite the Absolute End restaurant, on Monday 28 April.
The 53-year-old rider, who has asked not to be named, lay motionless for 10 minutes after the crash as passers-by tried to help. ‘While I do not entirely recollect at what angle I hit the side of the van, it seemed to me to be fairly face-on,’ he said.
He said the most annoying minor injury he had received was to his throat, most likely caused by the helmet strap.’However, while slightly annoying, it perhaps provides some indication to me of the force of the impact and makes me wonder what would have been the injuries had I not been wearing a helmet,’ he said.
‘I was able to walk away. Perhaps that would not have been the case if I had not been wearing the helmet.’
The man said he was concerned that some cyclists still did not wear one.
‘I see quite a few schoolchildren and others cycling in the mornings,’ he said. ‘A majority, just about, of adult cyclists do wear a helmet, but I’m not so sure about a majority of children. I have been known to remove my helmet on the cycle track nearing Town when hot. I’m not sure I shall continue to do so.’
Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy said parents had a responsibility to ensure that children in their care wore a helmet.
‘They are not expensive and clearly the issue raised by this gentleman highlights what significant protection they give to a cyclist,’ he said, ‘particularly on Guernsey roads, which can be narrow and often edged with granite. The wearing of a helmet is common sense.’
Deputy John Gollop, chairman of safety group Living Streets, agreed.
‘We would urge cyclists to wear a helmet and not take risks,’ he said.
‘Road safety is a big issue in Guernsey.’
The cyclist wanted to thank the emergency services and also a man called Matt, whom he has been unable to trace.
‘He was clearly trained in first aid, ensuring I remained face down until checked out by the ambulance pros, and he controlled the initial scene,’ the 53-year-old said. ‘I would like to buy him a bottle as a gesture of thanks.’
- Are you Matt? If you want to be put in touch with the cyclist you helped, phone Joel de Woolfson on 240213
Article posted on 16th May, 2008 - 1.00pm
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