i was going to go cycling myself this morning, but had a slight sore shoulder so didn't. However, decided to go for maybe 20 miles this afternoon, and my wife, Sandra, decided to accompany me.
It was quite muggy and warm and Sandra hates wearing her helmet (as she has long hair and feels it makes her sweat), and the first part of the trip was climbing for maybe 8 - 10 miles.
Sure enough, i gl;ance back on one of the hills and S has her helmet tied round her handlebar.
i stopped and told her that I wouldn't cycle with her if she didn't wear it. After a bit of a discussion she grudgingly put it on.
On the way back, as we had climbed so much we were going mostly down hill. About 2 miles from home, i was about 30 yds in friont of Sandra on the road. She called "you should be on the cycle track " and then I heard an awful bang and metallic scraping. I turned round to see Sandra sprawled across the path and ran back to see her.
She was initially unconscious, and bleeding a lot form a deep wound on her chin. She came to and then passed out again, by which time a passing motorist had called for an ambulance.
Her Giro helmet was wrecked, she had a nylon burn on her face where the helmet had twisted and the strap had gone across her cheek.
S was strapped to a spinal board and neck brace and in hospital had x rays of skull, jaw, cervical spine, left wrist, lower spine and right leg. Luckily, nothing appeared to be broken, but she looks like she has been mugged. Basically, it is easier to say where she doesn't hurt rather than where she does.
The point of impact was the front of her helmet and her chin. I hate to think what would have happened if she hadn't been wearing her helmet.
There is still some suspicion that her jaw might be fractured but we have to wait until the swelling has gone down and they might need to do more x rays.
I know this has been done to death but please please wear your helmet. 5 hours in casualty wondering if your loved one has fractured her skull or broken her neck is not an experience I want to repeat.
As it is, hopefully a bit of TLC and she'll be back to normal.
She can't remember the accident, but I think she clipped the curb when going from road to path. She was going quite fast and the front wheel of her bike is wrecked, which would suggest she hit something solid.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
That's truly horrifying, Chewa! It's one thing to experience a severe scuffing, quite another to witness a loved one's suffering. All available digits crossed in hopes of an improved prognosis!
Just as I shake my head in wonder at those who won't wear seatbelts, I do so when I see a cyclist without a helmet. I understand the argument for freedom of choice -- I choose to improve the odds against my spouse having to arrange my funeral, or perhaps worse, bathe and feed me for the remainder of my debilitated existence.
-Rob
aerobat
Sorry to hear about Sandra's accident, Chewa, but glad she wasn't any more seriously injured. Hope she recovers quickely.
You're right about helmets, you just never know when you'll need it!
John E
Thanks for posting, and please forward my best wishes for a speedy recovery.
velocipedio
Best wishes for your wife's recovery, Chewa. That sounds like a truly horrible accident.
Rich Clark
My best wishes for Sandra's recovery. I'm glad she appears to have escaped a serious injury.
While I personally wear a helmet and required my son to do so as he grew up, and while I believe helmets can be beneficial and wearing them does no harm, I do want to make a point.
In the US, at least, we have arrived at a state where, in the public consciousness, "bicycle safety" equates with "wear your helmet." And ONLY with "wear your helmet.
In this regard, I suspect the helmet campaign has done more harm than good, because there is no perceived need for anyone to learn bike-handling skills, traffic rules, the principles of effective cycling, or even how to inspect their own bikes for proper working order.
We can't control everything that happens to us, and wearing a helmet might protect us in those cases where we can't prevent a collision. But I still believe that most of the injuries that helmets protect us from could be prevented by learning how to handle a bike (how to jump, how to protect yourself in a fall); by knowing how bikes are expected to behave in traffic; by alert, assertive and predictable riding technique; by having brakes that work and pedals your feet won't slip off of.
None of this is intended as a comment about Sandra's accident. It's just that I believe that, of all the things we can do to be "safe" while cycling, helmet wearing is not all that high on the list.
RichC
Nobby
Chewa;
Thank you for the report. I hated to read it but I'm sure that you and especially Sandra hated the whole experience (which I'm sure isn't completely over yet) much more! While I don't doubt that "being firm" with her about wearing her helmet caused some friction between you, I'm so pleased that you were! I pray that she heals quickly and rides again.
Yer head - where your helmet is meant to be.
Jean Beetham Smith
I hope you both heal well, and can enjoy cycling soon. Dan's and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
John C. Ratliff
Chewa and Sanda
Having experienced a similar accident, and having my Giro helmet in pieces too, I empathize completely. This will take awhile to get over, and I hope the recovery goes very well.
Helmets are personal protective equipment, and they are definately the last point of protection, but you and I know that without them, there would be much more grieving. I'm pleased you were firm about wearing the helmet. I'm now approaching parents and others about it too, as I see them and praising those who are wearing their helmet.
Heal well,
John
bac
Wow - I'm sorry to hear of the accident, but happy to hear that all will be well. That's a scary story, indeed!
Chris L
I'm glad to hear the helmet did it's job, Chewa. My own skull was saved by one last October, and I won't ride without one either.
Best wishes that your wife might have a speedy recovery.
Cadd
Chewa, what a story...I'm glad you were firm about the helmet. Best wishes and a speedy recovery for Sandra.
outashape
Chewa, I am sorry your wife got hurt, hope she has a speedy recovery. After I was hit by a car, I only rode bike paths for several months, then my husband had to ride behind me when we were in the road. He wasn't with me when I got hit, but I think he suffered just as much as I did in the months following. Be glad you were with her, to help her. God be with you both.
Richard D
Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Richard
Tom_The_Bikeman
I'm glad to see that you preserved. I hope that she's soon on the mend, and that you're both OK.
I've been in numerous accidents, but only got to "use" my helmet last April. Then again, it saved me from a skull fracture before it died.
pay attention out there,
Tom
Rich
Wishing a speedy recovery to your wife Chewa...
Rich
orguasch
that is really very scary, But good to hear that Sandra is doing okay, she will be in my prayers
bikehard700
First, I wish Sandra a speedy recovery, and that you both are riding together once again.
Second... I too will not ride with someone without a helmut... period!:mad:
And, I aggree that they be allowed the "freedom of choice", and in exercising my "F.O.C.", choose not to ride with an unhelmeted riders... ... ... :confused:
urban_assault
I'll have to get my wife to read your post. She hates wearing her helmet also.
Best Wishes for a quick recovery.
Redhed
I certainly hope your wife recovers quickly. Hopefully she will still enjoy riding.
oceanrider
Chewa, how simply awful but to think what might have happened had you not insisted she wear her helmet. I hope she gets back in the saddle again without much ado but it will take time and patience. Sending healing thoughts.
toolfreak
Chewa,
Give Sandra the best wishes and good health.
She told me she`s didn`t like helmets, me neither, but your story gives me a radical change of mind!
Hope she recovers fast and will ride again soon,
wabbit
I don't think anyone really likes helmets, especially in warm weather. MY advice to Sandra is to get a headsweat and wear it under the helmet- ideal for long hair and absorbs sweat. It sure beats ending up in the hospital! Good thing no serious injuries occurred!
My stupid sister in law used to cycle but refused to wear a helmet because she has 'too much hair', but of course, it never occurred to her to cut it. It was a real mop. I didn't press the issue. She's so stupid that if she fell on her head, it wouldn't make a difference. She doesn't cycle anymore anyways.
willic
Chewa!
I know there is a great argument even amongest the medical professions as to the true value of cyclists wearing helmets,
On this occasion I am certainly glad you were firm with your wife insisting she put her helmet on,as you mentioned the consiquensous of the accident without wearing it are to frightfull to contemplate.
As a rider who like Sandra hated the very thought of going out with one of those silly looking lids on my head i have gradually come around to the idea of "better safe than sorry".
I have now become a cyclist who will not ride a single mile without my helmet on, regardles of how i look.
Wishing your good wife a speedy recovery.
regards and god bless.
Willi`c
RonH
Sorry to hear the terrible news. I'm glad you made her wear her helmet. I'd hate to think what might have happened if she wasn't wearing it.
My best to you both and please post updates as she recovers.
UncaStuart
Chewa, my thoughts and best wishes go out to you and Sandra.
wabbit
This whole thread has kind of made me thing about appearances. I could care less about what I look like with a helmet on my head- hey, if it's good enough for the pros! But I was thinking about how when I was young I was so concerned with looking like a geek- remember going out without a hat on a freezing day so you'd look cool? Now, I wouldn't do that, and I could care less if I look like something from South Park. It's the middle of winter- who cares? the whole point is to stay warm. That's the good thing about getting older. I wear shoes that are comfy, I wear a helmet to protect my noggin, I bundle up in the winter. Sometimes I see these stupid kids in my neighborhood in the winter, especially girls who are barely even dressed- wearing belly-button tops with their jackets open, no boots and I think yep, I'm glad I'm not a teenager anymore. Not like I was ever that stupid. I just think man, you are going to get on bad ass case of bronchitis, and I'm nice and warm.
Chris L
Originally posted by wabbit
I don't think anyone really likes helmets, especially in warm weather. MY advice to Sandra is to get a headsweat and wear it under the helmet- ideal for long hair and absorbs sweat
Honestly, what is this deal with "it's too hot to wear helmets". The helmets around these days have that many vents and so on in them that there really is no difference between wearing one and not wearing one in that respect. Heck, I live in Queensland, I've ridden in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C and I've never felt the need not to wear a helmet. I think the volume of water one drinks is a far bigger factor in the heat than helmets.
Originally posted by wabbit
...especially girls who are barely even dressed- wearing belly-button tops with their jackets open,
Do you think you could put me in touch with some of those girls? Preferably before they get bronchitis? :D
Cadd
Originally posted by Chris L
The helmets around these days have that many vents and so on in them that there really is no difference between wearing one and not wearing one in that respect. Heck, I live in Queensland, I've ridden in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C and I've never felt the need not to wear a helmet.
45 degrees C is over 110 degrees F...that's crazy man! It's hard to breath the air in that type of weather. How do you do it?!?!?!? I try not to ride when the temp gets above 95 degrees F
Do you think you could put me in touch with some of those girls? Preferably before they get bronchitis? :D
There are a whole load of them here in NY. Come for a visit. You'll see much more in the summer heat ;)
Chris L
Originally posted by Cadd
45 degrees C is over 110 degrees F...that's crazy man! It's hard to breath the air in that type of weather. How do you do it?!?!?!?
Most days don't reach that level, but I believe the humidity level is a far bigger factor than the temperature. I've ridden in other places with lower humidity than here and I reckon it's worth about 10-15 degrees C. Eventually you get used to it, and I do love water, so drinking enough fluids is rarely a problem for me.
The other thing is, temperatures around here are prone to exceeding 90F for about nine months of the year. There is no way I'm giving up riding for that length of time.
Originally posted by Cadd
There are a whole load of them here in NY. Come for a visit. You'll see much more in the summer heat ;)
The airline industry in this country has been in turmoil for a few months. It might take me a while to save up the $ to buy a ticket. :(
ljbike
Chewa, just want to add my wishes for a complete recovery for Sandra and hope she will not be afraid to ride again. It seems like it is such a good part of your time together. It'll probably take a good deal of TLC on your part to help her get better. Good luck to you both.
chewa
Thanks for all your kind wishes.
Sandra's a bit weepy today as i think the possible consequences have just started to get through to her. However, she did call roberts in London to discuss how best to get measured up for her new bike, so it hasn't put her off!!
Hopefully the wounds will heal quickly. S says she will never ever ride without a helmet in the future.
Originally posted by Rich Clark
In this regard, I suspect the helmet campaign has done more harm than good, because there is no perceived need for anyone to learn bike-handling skills, traffic rules, the principles of effective cycling, or even how to inspect their own bikes for proper working order.
I quite agree Rich. Sandra has been riding bikes for the best part of 30 years and had the bike she crashed on for 23. Her problem was that, as well as not liking the "sweaty" feel when wearing her helmet, she considered that she was an experienced cyclist and was at least risk. this is probably true, but even the silliest problem on a bike or a bit of bad road surface can cause you to fall.
We have to realise that helmets don't really help in very high impact incidents, when they are overwhelmed by the forces involved, but in the type of accident S had, the helmet I'm sure made the difference between some nasty wounds or a fractured skull/ cheekbone.
We need a combo of good skill, good equipment and good safety gear.
tourman
I am glad to hear Sandra is on the mend. I am sure she has major pain probably more so because you were right about the skid lid. When we went out to buy my wifes bike last month I bought her a good helmet and I got the hair and sweat thing but after reading this I am glad I was insistent and she does wear her lid.
The too hot thing just does not wash.The helmet acts as hat in hot weather is actually cooler than having the sun beating on your skull.Besides wearing one is just commen sense which most of the people on this board possess.Its the rest of the world that has to educated.
Anyway thats a whole other issue. All the best to Sandra and yourself in speedy recovery.
wabbit
Originally posted by Chris L
Honestly, what is this deal with "it's too hot to wear helmets". The helmets around these days have that many vents and so on in them that there really is no difference between wearing one and not wearing one in that respect. Heck, I live in Queensland, I've ridden in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees C and I've never felt the need not to wear a helmet. I think the volume of water one drinks is a far bigger factor in the heat than helmets.
Do you think you could put me in touch with some of those girls? Preferably before they get bronchitis? :D
LOL, chris, like you never see scantily-clad females in hot, humid Queensland?
The main downside of helmets in hot weather is forehead pimples! Aside from that, if they're properly ventilated there should be no problem.
Chris L
Originally posted by wabbit
LOL, chris, like you never see scantily-clad females in hot, humid Queensland?
True, but there's too much competition from scantily clad blokes here.
Originally posted by wabbit
The main downside of helmets in hot weather is forehead pimples! Aside from that, if they're properly ventilated there should be no problem.
I must say I've never had forehead pimples either. Maybe I'm just a freak of nature or something.
Raiyn
I realize I'm new here and all but I really hope your better half recovers well. How's she doing now? :eek:
chewa
Originally posted by Raiyn
I realize I'm new here and all but I really hope your better half recovers well. How's she doing now? :eek:
Good, she's been meeting me on the bike when I cycle home (wearing her new "Catlike" helmet--I have to get one of those it looks soo great).
She has a scar under her chin and a bit of a bump where the inner parts are still healing, but the burn on her face is gone and the new skin is a bit pink (she was quite tanned)
The grazes on her right arm are taking a bit of time to heal, and she's a bit less confident on her bike just now.
But, she's here and that's all that matters. :thumbup:
thanks for the thought. Welcome to the forums.
LittleBigMan
Originally posted by chewa
[Wife's doing] Good...She has a scar under her chin and a bit of a bump where the inner parts are still healing...
I'm very glad she's coming back to normal.
It's funny, the part about not remembering the crash. Same thing happened to me. I thought about it later and realized I couldn't remember the parts immediately prior to hitting the pavement, as well as actually hitting. Maybe it's part of psychological healing.
(I'm glad you decided to be a stubborn jerk and make her wear her helmet--it pays, sometimes! :) )
dirtbikedude
I am glad to hear that your wife is recovering. Lets hope it is a fast recovery.
It is one thing to attempt stuff that might cause you harm, it is another to see a loved one do it. Every weekend my wife comes back from rides with sprains or bruses, fortunatly nothing to serious.
Slainte
psycholist
Chewa,
Great news, knowing there was nothing broken. Now for her confidence to heal!! Anyone who says they aren't shaken up a bit after a good solid gravity test is a LIAR.
Also, good for you for insisting she wear her brain bucket--you quite possibly saved her life in doing so.
If you think a helmet makes you look bad, lying in a hospital bed the rest of your life with a few yards of plastic tubing shoved up your nose won't get you any dates either. WEAR YOUR HELMET.
webist
First, my prayers and best wishes for both of you.
There are many valid "freedom of choice" types of arguments and "They don't really work in bad crashes" types of examples.
I just think of the slight shake of the head gesture I make when I read the words "Victim was not wearing a seatbelt," or "The rider was not wearing a helmet" at the conclusion of a newspaper article about a death. Not given as the cause of death mind you; just a suggestion that perhaps the victim might have done more for their own safety.
Glad your wife is doing well.
Carl
John C. Ratliff
Just take it slow and easy. The healing has to come first. It may take some time, but getting back on the bike will help the healing process--at least it did for me. My helmet saved me about a month before your wife's accident. I'm still getting back into it, and its been over two months for me.
We're still thinking about you, and giving healing vibs...
John
Dutchy
Sometimes I see these stupid kids in my neighborhood in the winter, especially girls who are barely even dressed- wearing belly-button tops with their jackets open, no boots and I think yep, I'm glad I'm not a teenager anymore.
I wished girls dressed that way when I was a kid.:D I know the point you are making, people place so much emphasis on image, like women wearing open toe shoes in the middle of winter, just because it looks good. To be honest some of these women have feet like a crocodile, big knurly claws for toes hanging out over the front of the shoe, these should be hidden not exposed for the world to see.