A former cyclist, who suffered life-threatening injuries after he was knocked off his bike, is calling for increased safety awareness as more people take to two wheels post-lockdown.
Pat Lee, from Liverpool is warning cyclists to be aware of the potential dangers of the road after being thrown from his bicycle when a car collided with him as he travelled home from work.
The 56-year-old was rushed to hospital following the incident in July 2017, being treated for a fractured skull, broken ribs and collarbone, and a dislocated shoulder, while neck injuries also meant he had to wear a collar in the months after the accident.
More than three years later, Pat is still “terrified” to get back on a bicycle and believes more needs to be done to educate both drivers and new cyclists on the rules of the road.
Factory worker Pat, who instructed Hampson Hughes Solicitors to seek compensation for his injuries, was awarded £25,000 following the accident.
He said: “I had been cycling home from work – taking the same route I always did – when a car ploughed into me from the left hand side as I went across a roundabout.
“The driver had failed to give way and drove straight into me, sending me flying up into the air. It was all very surreal – I remember a loud bang and then waking up with paramedics surrounding me. I had to undergo surgery for my injuries and was forced to take five months off work.
“I’ve been cycling ever since I was a child and my bike was my only mode of transport – but I’m absolutely terrified to get back on one now and haven’t done since.
“With us all being told to avoid public transport where possible and lots of people taking up cycling for a new way to exercise, we’re obviously seeing a lot more people on bikes on our roads. But, it worries me to think that many drivers – and indeed the cyclists themselves – are not clued up on road safety, including what is and isn’t the law.
“I wouldn’t wish my experience on anyone and I truly miss getting out on my bike – so I’d urge anyone considering taking it up to really do their homework and, importantly, remember that not everyone on the road will be as sensible as you are!”
However, Niamh Wilson, Head of Civil Litigation at Hampson Hughes Solicitors, said Pat’s case is not unusual and more education is needed among drivers and cyclists.
She said: “Cyclists like Pat often rely on their bicycles as their main way to get around, so when that’s taken away from them, there can be a huge impact.
“Pat was very lucky to fully recover from his injuries, but the fact that he is simply too fearful to cycle on the roads indicates that we all need to increase our knowledge of cyclist safety, especially as more people buy bikes to get to and from work, or to enjoy the fresh air.
“Novice cyclists, and even people who haven’t been on a bike for 15-20 years are getting them out again to avoid public transport and it is vitally important that they are fully aware of the rules of the road and the severity of the potential consequences if they are not followed.
“Our team has worked with many cyclists who have had serious accidents on the roads, often due to motorists failing to abide by road safety laws, so it is clear that more education is required.”
A total of £25,000 was secured in compensation for Pat.
Have you been involved in a Road Traffic Accident?
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