Safety and Education Committee Report
“Be careful who you trust”
As some of you have heard; I “wore out” another helmet (and some bike parts). A left turning 4x4 pickup pulled out from right just in front of me. Sliding sideways, I hit it just behind the left rear wheel. I landed almost in the opposite ditch; destroying my helmet and seriously injuring my left leg.
This article is not about my accident but rather the lessons that I learned from it.
Before Police and Rescue arrived a passing shower flooded the area. Soaking wet, with a concussion, and major trauma; my serious leg injury received my undivided attention. When the police got there; I relied upon them to handle the situation for me. This was a mistake that I hope you do not repeat. I never asked the driver of the truck for any information or the name of the bystander that offered to take care of my bicycle (I was a little pre-occupied). These people dealt with the police instead of bothering me. We assumed the police would record this information (and that it would be readily available). This was not to be the case; no contact information had been exchanged between us and departmental protocols prevented the release of this information. (I learned of these protocols via my e-mail; during my many phone calls they were just polite and evasive.) It took them sixteen days to complete the accident report (no charges filed) and someday I’ll be able to get a copy of it from the State.
The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon; after numerous calls to the police I was able to ascertain (Thursday) which house (but not the owner’s name) my bike was at and retrieved it. Finally, in reply to an e-mail (Friday), I learned the driver’s name and found him (via internet). The Police “couldn’t” reveal my name to him so he was very happy to hear from me. He promptly provided me with all the information needed to properly handle this problem.
Those whose mission is “To Serve and Protect” knew we wanted to provide each other with our contact information and should have helped us. Instead, in order to protect those with things to hide, these people say they “can’t” help those who want and need it. Any information that you need should be gotten before leaving the scene. Getting the required facts later from the police may be very difficult (or impossible). One learns from experience; hopefully you will be able to learn from mine.
I need surgery but I expect to be riding again by next season. When this happens; my cell phone camera will see much more use. I won’t be relying upon others to supply the facts that I can obtain (and record) without their help.
Bill Fisk- Safety and Education
Safety and Education Coordinator
Archive Safety Articles
Which Foot Down?
Preparing For Rain
Stopping in the Roadway
Encountering Animals
Why I Commute by Bike
Save Time Commuting by Bike
Your Bike and Knee
You Can be Too Far Right
Wrong Way Cyclists
Choosing the Right Tire
Don't Scare the Slow Guy
Using Your Front Brake
How Safe is Bicycling?
How Safe is Your Helmet?
Making Left Turns
Where on the Road Do You Belong?
Rumble strips on the Shoulder
Safer Without Helmet?
Impaired Drivers
Take Your Body to its Limits
HB-1203
Protecting your Bike
Helmet Mounted Headlights
Tire Pressure
My Helmet is White
Does Your Bike Have Lights?