just been hit by a car

[Two_Sheds]

And I insist on everyone wearing high-viz vests at all times

Not sure how effective these are, actually. Perhaps in low-light levels, but certainly not useful in daylight.
They are now so ubiquitous (on workmen of all flavours) that you don't even notice them anymore.

I wear a proper cycling jacket (bright yellow stripes on it), I have 2 lights front and back, I have a bell and a horn, big fat panniers on the back and usually a box of plants on the back too. And still they (drivers and pedestrians) "don't see" me.

[Two_Sheds]

WHY the driver 'didn't see you' makes not one scrap of difference, it is his reponsibility to see other road users and drive accordingly.

Great advice Hilary, I appreciate it.
I don't want to rock the boat with the police, tbh. I don't trust them, having dealt with them over many years as a cyclist on the receiving end of bad driving/illegal parking etc. They are simply not interested in cyclists, and treat us as a nuisance.

I don't think it will even get to court.

Perhaps I will write my own statement, and post it to them, saying I did so because yesterday I was still slightly concussed and confused and didn't think I said what I wanted to say. I find writing much easier than speaking, lol

[jackie j]

Two Sheds if he had an eye examination for diabetis was it the one that they put something in the eyes ? If so then he shouldnt have been driving, my OH has this done every year and he cant see a blooming thing for a while and is advised NOT to DRIVE for a few hours after.

[Hilary B]

Great advice Hilary, I appreciate it.
I don't want to rock the boat with the police, tbh. I don't trust them, having dealt with them over many years as a cyclist on the receiving end of bad driving/illegal parking etc. They are simply not interested in cyclists, and treat us as a nuisance.

I don't think it will even get to court.

Perhaps I will write my own statement, and post it to them, saying I did so because yesterday I was still slightly concussed and confused and didn't think I said what I wanted to say. I find writing much easier than speaking, lol

Make sure your legal adviser gets a copy of this statement as well. Even better, write it in his/her office

[Hilary B]

Two Sheds if he had an eye examination for diabetis was it the one that they put something in the eyes ? If so then he shouldnt have been driving, my OH has this done every year and he cant see a blooming thing for a while and is advised NOT to DRIVE for a few hours after.

That is a very good point!

[Two_Sheds]

Make sure your legal adviser gets a copy of this statement as well. Even better, write it in his/her office

I have just rec'd from my solicitor, all the forms that I need to fill in, giving full statements etc.
I will send a copy of that statement to the Cop Shop.

[indigox]

that's your opinion and you're entitled to it.

However, a plastic helmet will only save you if the crash is under 15 mph. Above that, it is useless.

Who drives at 15 mph?

Actually a lot of accidents happen at very slow speeds, usually the driver is attempting a maneuver of some kind and will either not see or misjudge the speed of the approaching cyclist.

I'm not saying that it is in any way a failsafe way of preventing head injuries, but with the number of idiotic drivers on the road I think it is wise to use every level of protection available.

For the record my crash was at about 25-30mph (me) and the car was almost stationary (it cut me up by overtaking, then turning left immediately in front.) I went over the car and landed head first in a stony ditch on the other side of the road.
I can honestly say that it the helmet saved me from receiving a serious head injury or worse, which is why I am a firm believer in wearing one.

I am lucky that the helmet was beneficial in this particular accident, I appreciate that they do not protect in a lot of other situations.

Everyone thinks a helmet saves your life. This is not the case, and the myth needs to be busted. Instead of blaming cyclists for getting injured, we should be getting dangerous drivers off the road.

Indeed, they can be counter-productive, if the wearer and the driver both think the rider is "safe" they will both be more likely to take risks.
They are also hot, and uncomfortable (I can't even wear a beanie hat w/o getting a headache).

I absolutely agree that cyclists should not take the blame for getting injured (with the exception of the occasional dangerous cyclist) and I think a lot more needs to be done about educating drivers to be aware and drive safely.

I also find helmets a bit uncomfortable, although not as bad as a beanie, providing the fit is correct and it is worn in the right position. The newer helmets tend to have a lot more vents, so are much cooler, but in doing so they lose some of the protective element.

**Hops down off soapbox**
Anyway I didn't mean to lecture you, sorry about that, I'm genuinely glad that you are not seriously injured, and I hope it doesn't put you off cycling. I also hope that the driver will give serious thought to his suitability to continue driving in the light of his eye problem.

[taff]

The sheer nerve of the police/insurance companies/other drivers really MAKES ME MAAAAADDDDD!!!!!
What a complete bunch of c..........!!! [not the right amount of dots]
I'm glad you're alive and not seriously injured.

[JILLY JACKSON]

You poor thing!!Its true what jackiej says,i have this eye test done every year and you are told NOT to drive there.Another thing is that when you have an ordinary eye test and you are diabetic,they recognise that some days your sight is better than others.Anyway i hope that you are on the mend nowand not too shaky.

[Two_Sheds]

Anyway I didn't mean to lecture you, sorry about that

yeah, we're still friends
I got a bit uppity because the first thing "everyone" has said to me is "were you wearing a helmet?"

I didn't land on my head, so it's irrelevant!
and a helmet wouldn't have prevented the crash, so it's still irrelevant!

[Two_Sheds]

I've been talking to solicitors all day, my head is fried.

But look at my stars: You might find some money matters weighing on your mind a bit though. Just try to keep an eye out for someone who can help you sort out any financial issues right now

[dexterdoglancashire]

I've been talking to solicitors all day, my head is fried.

But look at my stars: You might find some money matters weighing on your mind a bit though. Just try to keep an eye out for someone who can help you sort out any financial issues right now

How are you feeling, in yourself chuck? Hope you are OK with no after effects and the aching bones/limbs have eased.

[Bagpuss]

TS that is terrible. Is there any CCTV at all ?
Hope you heal soon

[Two_Sheds]

How are you feeling, in yourself chuck? Hope you are OK with no after effects and the aching bones/limbs have eased.

The bruises are really coming out now, but they hurt less than my back and neck do. I landed on my bum bones!
I tried to walk to town y'day, but hobbled along like a nonagenarian. Got a bit weepy and weak and had to call a cab to take me back home, where I consoled myself with Maltesers and Cornettos.

Is there any CCTV at all ?

Is there ever, when you need it?

[zazen999]

I consoled myself with Maltesers and Cornettos.

I like your style.

Hope you are feeling better soon...it takes a while to get back to where you were, doesn't it? They don't think of that, when they drive without actually being able to see, do they?