The Hazards of Cycling to Work

We had a bit of excitement on Monday. Kevin got home from work thirty minutes late. I wasn't unduly worried, as he has taken to weeding his bike track of box thorns, but as I opened the front door I heard the meaty throb of a V8 in the driveway, and gradually became aware of Kevin telling me to get the camera, as he was involved in an accident and 'the guy' who hit him was taking him up to make a Police report, but not to worry, because he (Kevin) was in the right.

I glanced over him, but didn't see any blood trails, but saw the bike's rear wheel was a little out of whack. I took a photo of the bike, then went over to the car, where 'the guy', who we shall call Bob, was bending over checking out the bonnet of his GT Falcon.

I took a few photos of the bonnet, noting that the numberplate had a large dent as well as a dent in the bonnet, and a few scratches. Kevin said something about Bob's insurance paying for a new bonnet, and Bob replied, "No, they don't hand out new bonnets just like that." I instantly wondered how many cyclists he has knocked on to the bonnet of his lovely GT.

They were in a hurry to get to the local Police Station, so after a couple of assurances that he was ok, apart from being a little shaken and having a bit of soreness in his back, I had to wait for the full story to be told.

It seems that nearing an intersection on the main road, a bus overtook Kevin.  Bob was behind the bus, and not noticing Kevin on his bike, went to turn left at the lights.  He hit Kevin on the real wheel, and Kevin jerked backwards onto his bonnet, before falling onto the road.  Bob braked heavily, luckily stopping the car before running Kevin over.

He offered Kevin a lift home then to the Police Station, so they took the front wheel off the bike, and put it in the GT's boot.

When Kevin got back from giving a report, he was a bit bemused by the fact that coming out of our road, and onto the main road to the Police Station, Bob gave the GT a bit of stick, and just changed into second gear doing over 70ks.  Kevin mentioned to Bob that there was a cop car on the side road, probably with a radar, and Bob slowed down, but it was too late and he was pulled over, and booked for doing 72ks in a 60 zone.  Kevin didn't want to add that less than 30 minutes prior Bob had knocked him off his bike ;-)

It doesn't seem much, but what you see is a visit to the crash shop to the value of $9,000.  Kevin's bike has been written off, so there is claim for a new one for him.

Kevin did have Tuesday off, and went and had his back checked out.  Apparently he is fine, and cycled off  to work this morning.  Incase you are wondering, he has at least five bikes these days.