Rollon
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Chorley, Lancs
Having taken on board lots of information on this forum, read the books about road positioning etc and beggining to gain in confidence, yesterday I set out to ride my longest distance so far, a 36 mile round trip.
I really enjoyed the outward journey from my home to Southport. I was using minor roads as much as possible, but was still unimpressed by some drivers giving hardly any room as they overtook.
Anyway, on the return leg on the busy fast road out of Southport and heading for the start of the cycle path that runs alongside from a large roundabout. Turning right at the roundabout, I checked behind as I approached. Nothing behind, I moved to the centre of the outer lane, nothing coming round from my right I carried on round. Indicating left with an outstretched arm (High viz long sleeved top) as I came round and gradually moved more to the left lane towards my exit. I noticed 2 cars approaching coming onto the roundabout just before my exit. They were both slowing. I went past the front of the outer one and just as I was almost in front of the inner cars drivers side and just to the right of the lefthand lane, it suddenly accelerated. Before I knew it , it clipped the back end of my bike and flipped me over. Bruised and grazed knee and shoulder I picked myself up, my bike, and got onto the grass verge The driver approached full of appologies, he somehow hadnt seen me.
After recovering from the initial shock my first instinct was take his details and get back on my bike and carry on. However when I tried to walk my knee was very stiff, so I told him I thought I had better get a police report. The police turned up advised on an ambulance, and I spent 3.5 hours in the A&E. Patched up I got a taxi the 18 miles home. Although I couldnt see anything wrong with my NEW bike the police officer said the rear wheel was not freely rotating. It was taken to a nearby police station.
The officer said she was considering a 'Without due care' charge against the driver, however I was later informed that she had instead decided to send him on a driving improvement course.
Well thats taken my confidence back to square one now, I mean I was unlucky but lucky it wasnt as bad as it could have been. Im self employed with a physically demanding job, so I have had to put off my jobs for a couple days, untill the whiplash and bruising settle down.
Dave.
I really enjoyed the outward journey from my home to Southport. I was using minor roads as much as possible, but was still unimpressed by some drivers giving hardly any room as they overtook.
Anyway, on the return leg on the busy fast road out of Southport and heading for the start of the cycle path that runs alongside from a large roundabout. Turning right at the roundabout, I checked behind as I approached. Nothing behind, I moved to the centre of the outer lane, nothing coming round from my right I carried on round. Indicating left with an outstretched arm (High viz long sleeved top) as I came round and gradually moved more to the left lane towards my exit. I noticed 2 cars approaching coming onto the roundabout just before my exit. They were both slowing. I went past the front of the outer one and just as I was almost in front of the inner cars drivers side and just to the right of the lefthand lane, it suddenly accelerated. Before I knew it , it clipped the back end of my bike and flipped me over. Bruised and grazed knee and shoulder I picked myself up, my bike, and got onto the grass verge The driver approached full of appologies, he somehow hadnt seen me.
After recovering from the initial shock my first instinct was take his details and get back on my bike and carry on. However when I tried to walk my knee was very stiff, so I told him I thought I had better get a police report. The police turned up advised on an ambulance, and I spent 3.5 hours in the A&E. Patched up I got a taxi the 18 miles home. Although I couldnt see anything wrong with my NEW bike the police officer said the rear wheel was not freely rotating. It was taken to a nearby police station.
The officer said she was considering a 'Without due care' charge against the driver, however I was later informed that she had instead decided to send him on a driving improvement course.
Well thats taken my confidence back to square one now, I mean I was unlucky but lucky it wasnt as bad as it could have been. Im self employed with a physically demanding job, so I have had to put off my jobs for a couple days, untill the whiplash and bruising settle down.
Dave.