Cycling accident

Pectinbean

Last week I was hit by a car when I was cycling home from work. I guess I was pretty lucky and have no broken bones just a sprained wrist, badly bruised hip and mild dose of whiplash. I was a bit of a bubbling wreck for a couple of days (the car that hit me knocked me into oncoming traffic) but my friends have helped me pull myself together. Although, I've now lost all confidence in going back out on the road. I'm told that will come in time.

Any cyclists out there had vehicular accidents and gotten back to the way they were on a bike? I loved cycling and it was my main form of exercise, and my main mode of transport. I've been cycling for 4 years and wear high-vis, reflective clothing head-to-toe and have 3 lights on my bike. I just don't see how I can feel safe if that wasn't enough. Any advice on how to get my confidence back would be great.

MeanderingMammal

Pectinbean wrote: »

Although, I've now lost all confidence in going back out on the road. I'm told that will come in time.

BTDT

You've just got to get back out, dominate the road and make the ride your own.

That said, it's worth getting back out offroad initially.

BrianSharpe

You can never completely eliminate the idiot factor even when you do everything right.

I had a homicidal bus driver try his best to kill me few years ago, all you can do is get back in the saddle, try to find routes that are the least dangerous and ride defensively. Before jumping back in to full blown commuting do you have some nice controlled environments you can ride in (bike paths etc) on the weekend?

Speedy recovery!

WalkingAlong

I used to cycle a lot, then in one summer two friends got in bad car collisions on bikes and one neighbor died. I haven't ridden since, really. I don't think I would in the road conditions in the city I live in. I'm sorry, I wish I could help. My two friends both went right back to it, though!

astrose00

Two years ago I fell off my bike in the road and broke my ankle. I had made a left turn and noticed the road was uneven (they were putting in new asphalt) so I couldn't go directly to the right lane. I was kind of stuck in the middle lane with cars all around. My cousin, had successfully gone up on the uneven asphalt and motioned for me to do the same. I relive this decision over and over in my mind because I "knew" it wasn't a good idea. But I tried it anyway. I was doing about 15mph when I started to go down and instinctively planted my right foot to brace my fall. When I fell and finally came to a stop my ankle was hanging from the tendons... Ambulance was called and I was taken to hospital and had surgery that night. 9 pins and a plate and months of recovery and rehab. That was Sept. 2012. I also love cycling. I'm no pro and ride for recreation and fitness but I didn't want to take cycling away from myself because of fear. So in May 2013, when I was barely able to walk one city block and after gaining about 20-30lbs from sitting on my butt eating, I rode in the 5 Boro Bike Tour in NYC. 40 miles and I finished it. And I rode "alone"; none of my friends or cousin joined me. It was my coronation and I wanted to get back on the proverbial horse. I was so proud of myself that I did that. I have to admit that I have spent a lot more time riding my bike on a trainer in my living room but that's mostly because I need to lose weight.

My advice is to look fear in the face and continue your hobby. You can't control what's going to happen and you could have an accident walking down the street, in the bathtub, etc. Thankfully, you weren't severely injured. Just make sure you practice safety, have a fully charged cell phone and that your friends and family know you are riding. When I go riding, I always tell my sister and mom exactly when I'm leaving and let them know when I return. I plan to ride more outdoors next spring/summer/fall because I'm losing weight and plan to be in tip top shape by then.

Good luck and hang in there!!!

heybales

Considering idiots doing things on their phones while driving can affect you even when you are driving, there's just no way around the potential risk even while biking.

As long as fully visible, following rules of the road (which actually seems to confuse some drivers), and picking routes that are perhaps wiser than others if you have that option, and listening to traffic not music, there is always risk.

I had lady squarely look me in the eyes while talking on cell phone in 1999, and turned left right into me and I bounced off her SUV hood. I would have braked if she hadn't looked thinking she didn't see me, there was no way she had enough time, at least not after she paused.

But then I've have people do it the other way which concerns me too. Coming up road and someone could clearly turn on to street and get out of way well before I'm up to their intersection, but they wait until I pass. Great, now this driver with obvious depth and speed perception issues is behind me, and perhaps ticked off they read my speed so poorly and may even be stuck behind me now. So now more careful.

I think just some rides on less traveled roads to confirm you still have your knack for doing it well, it wasn't your fault, and you could get hit in car just the same. Obviously a tad different when on bike, but still.

Ohhim

Plenty of trails/paths around the country where you can enjoy your bike, and not have to worry about traffic. Did the Pittsburgh to DC ride a week ago (330 miles), and maybe crossed a low traffic rural road about once/5-10 miles.