Who is more likely to be seriously harmed- a pedestrian bumped by a cyclist or a cyclist hit by a car?
True story:
About 10 year ago. I called at the newsagents in Shuttlewood one evening on my way to our_lasses after work.
Bought whatever, opened the shop door, stepped out side and 'BANG'.
I found my self on the floor about 12 foot down the pavement, sweating, heart racing, trembling and very disorientated.
I tried to figure out what was happening. That's when I realised I was lying on a BMX ???
Looking back up the street, a few feet away, there was a lad getting off the back of a car, holding his head.
Still totally bewildered by it all, I realised he'd just cowtailed me down the street.
I got up and asked him if he was ok ??
He replied "Yes, sorry mate".
I said "You shouldn't be on the fu*in pavements".
He hung his head, got his bike and walked off.
I crossed the road, got in the car and drove off.
It was only when I walked into the house, and our_lass screamed, did it hit me.
I burst into tears, sobbed "I've been knocked down", walked into the dining room and sat on the floor with my back to the wall. A total mess.
After a while, we'd both composed ourselves. She wanted me to go to hospital, I wouldn't go cos my head hurt.
I didn't fancy a night in the Royal, I knew they would keep me in overnight.
I was totally white, got slight bleading from my nose, chin, ear, head, hands. I'd got scuff marks on my shoulders, back, hips, thighs, legs, knees, shins and ankles. I was also starting to ache everywhere.
After a few phone calls the next day, turns out the kid was 15 years old and heavier than me. I didn't press charges, his mother did apologise for his actions.
The point of all my rambling. If I'd have been 65, 75, 85, not 35, I seriously think I'd be dead. Brittle bones etc.
There's no place for adult, teenage cyclists on pavements. Get on the road !!
Just remember though, you don't own the bloody thing. Nipping between cars in queues, jumping red lights etc.
Yes I did take my cycling proficiency test as a child, we weren't taught any of the tricks you see cyclists do nowadays.
I was also a member of a cycling club back in the late 70's and have thousands of miles under my belt as a cyclist.