Chap who crashed - Sat 1/7/06

[Deleted]

Just to let everyone know who was out on the Saturday ride that the chap that crashed on Clarkes Lane (just down from the top of Beddlestead) was ok in the end.

He wasn't actually in our group, but as the 1st cyclists on the scene, Ken and myself hung around just to make sure he was ok until the ambulance came and sorted him out. Being a bit dazed and needed stitches to a impressive cut on his forehead, he couldn't remember as to how he fell...though I'm sure after a bit of a headache some of the events may come back to him.

[Deleted]

Glad to hear he was ok, thanks for letting us know.

It made me think that perhaps we should have a nominated first aid rider(s) on Saturdays as the group is quite large now and accidents do happen now and then. Perhaps the club should consider paying to train a few people and buying a small first aid to take out on ride.

[Forum Admin]

Yes, I think the idea of having some first-aiders is a good one. Will have a think about how to take this forward. Meantime, here is a very kind note from Jim Duhan:

==============================================

I was out last Saturday 1/7/06 on the Downs when I had a high speed prang. The accident happened on the B2024 on the route to Westerham just after the Tipsy Hill roundabout about 11:00. I have no idea what really happened. One moment I am semi-freewheeling down a gentle incline at 20-25 mph; in the next moment 10-15 minutes of my life have disappeared and I am sat on the grass verge, wondering what day it is, surrounded by a group of worried looking fellow cyclists. I think the guys were from your club. They looked after me, phoned the ambulance and made sure I was not left smeared over the road. When I came to I was still in a bit of a daze – started fixing the bike so I could ride back to Beckenham! In the event the ambulance arrived within a few minutes of me coming to and whisked me off to Redhill Hospital A&E. However, I realise that in my general confusion, I failed to thank the guys – my apologies, I was and am very grateful. If it was your guys please pass on my thanks.

Fortunately the damage to me was not too bad – broken cheekbone (to be fixed next week) plus various bruises and abrasions. The bike was practically unscathed except for the front brake assembly. Somehow it was hit from behind sufficient force to bend the cantilever arm and the main pivot bolt, but I can’t for the life of me see how that could happen. Anyway it is a quicker fix than the cheekbone.

Thanks again and good cycling,

Jim Duhan

[Deleted]

I have started to look into what could be done to help here...

My sister works for the British Red Cross and has given me a contact of someone who is presently heading a campaign on 'Making Roads Safer', who I will email, drawing attention to our situation, highlighted by the incident 2 weeks ago as well as the horrific events of this weekend in North Weald. My request would be that we try to get support and possibly funding for a number of club cyclists to get First Aid training. I have been told that this training can be specifically designed to suit a particular field.

I will also email the Mayor's Office as I think they may also be able to help. Or would at least be interested to know of such a campaign.

Ideally, I think this could be extended to assist cycling clubs all over London and perhaps the UK. Whilst this tragedy is so very sad and potentially damaging to cycling, it would be good to be able to get something positive from it.

[Deleted]

I should add that there were in fact a number of First Aiders at the scene on Saturday night.

[Deleted]

I would not discourage anyone from taking a first aid course. I was a registered first aider but my certificate ran out sometime ago but I can still remember the basics and hope I would know what to do in an emergency.

However, as a club if we are start to provide registered first aiders for rides than we should make sure that we are fully aware of all the legal implications. If club approved first aiders are provided then does this make the club legally responsible for riders? What would happen if a first aider was not available? Would the ride be cancelled?

I do not know any clubs that provide this kind of service and it may be because the insurance and legal ramifications make it too onerous.

The two incidents that are referred to are good examples that usually there are people around who know what to do. No amount of first aiders or training would have helped the chap on Saturday night. I'm afraid his injuries were far too severe.

[Deleted]

I have to renew my first aid certificate every year, our training is provided by the red cross which is excellent, they also give you useful little freebies for your first aid kit!