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CityCyclingEdinburgh was launched on the 27th of October 2009 as "an experiment".

IT’S TRUE!
CCE is 15years old!
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It soon became useful and entertaining. There are regular posters, people who add useful info occasionally and plenty more who drop by to watch. That's fine. If you want to add news/comments it's easy to register and become a member.

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CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » General Edinburgh

1. rosscbrown
   Member

   Hi everyone,

   Sadly this is not the happy 'I'm back in Edinburgh' post I was hoping to be making this week.

   A month ago I moved back to Edinburgh from Canada and on Saturday I picked up brand new Specilized Tricross Elite. On Monday I bought a pair of cycling shorts - my first pair ever.

   Yesterday morning I cycled to work though Holyrood Park. And around about this time yesterday I was involved an in incident that closed Regent Road briefly. I won't go into the gory details of being dragged about under a coach but as I'm sure you'll imagine, it was terrifying.

   The staff from the police, ambulance and fire services that attended were amazed that this was not a fatal collision and more amazed that I managed to get myself into the ambulance myself with just a little assistance. The doctors at the RI were also amazed that I didn't break anything!

   I'm still rolling about in pain and all that so the seriousness of what happened yesterday is yet to sink in.

   One parting thought: In all of this I have come across a compelling reason to wear a helmet. If you don't have one, you'll have to listen to at least 15 people tell you that you probably should have been.

   Lastly I'd like to thank a few people:

   Emergency Services, thank you for coming so quickly and the blue light ride through the city to Little France.
   The cyclist, who stopped and supported my back while I was on the road.
   The nurse/midwife, who held my hand and supported my head.
   The hospital team, who fitted me in around a few major traumas that they were also dealing with.

   Posted 11 years ago #

2. SRD
   Moderator

   So sorry to hear that. But good to know you're okay. and that so many good people around to help you out.

   take it easy.

   Posted 11 years ago #

3. Wilmington's Cow
   Member

   Jeez! So THAT is why the road was closed yesterday, not the garden party.

   Glad to hear you're remarkably unbroken!

   Posted 11 years ago #

4. SRD
   Moderator

   I've pretty much stopped ever going down Lauriston Place after a few close calls with coaches.

   Posted 11 years ago #

5. wee folding bike
   Member

   You survived without one so they told you to get one?

   Sigh.

   Posted 11 years ago #

6. custard
   Member

   jesus!
   well you are posting so i hope you arent too damaged?

   Posted 11 years ago #

7. amir
   Member

   Hope you recover quickly Ross.

   Posted 11 years ago #

8. kaputnik
   Moderator

   As DaveC might exclaim - "Bloody Nora!"

   Get well soon - physically and your nerves.

   And yes, welcome back to Scotland where near-death experiences at the wheels of a 12 tonne vehicle are part and parcel of just trying to get form A to B by bike.

   Posted 11 years ago #

9. crowriver
   Member

   I'm glad you're reasonably okay. I'm not glad that you were nearly killed.

   Here's wishing you a speedy recovery.

   Oh, and considering you survived this horrific incident lidless, I'd say you're quite justified wearing whatever you want on your napper in future.

   Posted 11 years ago #

10. Puzzle
    Member

    Take care - glad you are relatively ok considering!

    Posted 11 years ago #

11. Pocopiglet
    Member

    Wishing you a speedy recovery!

    Posted 11 years ago #

12. cc
    Member

    My goodness. I'm really glad you're not too badly hurt. Best wishes from me too.

    Posted 11 years ago #

13. Instography
    Member

    Jings. Scary.

    Posted 11 years ago #

14. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    That's awful. I hope you feel better soon.

    Posted 11 years ago #

15. fimm
    Member

    Nasty. I am glad that you are (relatively) OK.

    Posted 11 years ago #

16. DaveC
    Member

    Bloody Nor.... Damb!! Beaten to it!!! ;O)

    Wishing you a speedy recovery and no nightmares.

    Also If your new here?? and there is anything we can do, like help with food shopping etc!! Just say ok!! Seriously, don't be afraid to ask!

    Dave C

    Posted 11 years ago #

17. rosscbrown
    Member

    As I said to my doctor, 'now is not the time to be debating the efficacy of cycle helmets in relation to preventing lower limb injuries'. As I understand it, the reasons for and against wearing a helmet are pretty complex and certainly in need for wider study.

    Just been in touch with the police and it looks like the driver won't be charged with anything. I guess that means he wasn't at fault - I disagree with that but I'm not sure what exactly what the highway code says in a situation like this.

    Thanks for all your kind words. I hope to get back on the bike as soon as I'm physically fit - but for the moment I'm not sure I mentally ready to deal with Edinburgh's roads and buses.

    Posted 11 years ago #

18. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    It's the mental impact that will likely take longer to heal than anything else, and only you will know when you're ready to face it again.

    Sounds like the police think you were to blame, or it was just an 'accident' then? Perfectly understandable that you wouldn't want to elucidate on any details of the incident itself - whenever you feel able you're guaranteed to get an honest appraisal here of just who might have been to blame, and how to take it further if you feel the need (there are a few cycle specific legal advisors in Edinburgh, and of course if you happen to be a member of the CTC you can get legal advice through them - sometimes even if you're not a member).

    Posted 11 years ago #

19. minus six
    Member

    Ross,

    I'm sure we'd all be interested to hear a bit more about this collision, if you feel up to recounting your recollection of it.

    Sounds like you feel you're being fobbed off here, which is alarming considering the severity of it.

    Posted 11 years ago #

20. steveo
    Member

    Glad your still alive! I'd be in contact with a lawyer if I were you mate, there are a couple of cycle specific ones who I'm sure would be happy to take up your case.

    On the other hand I could completely understand you wanting to move on, just make sure you give it plenty of thought so its not something you regret later.

    Posted 11 years ago #

21. Baldcyclist
    Member

    Can't believe no one has asked already, how is the bike?

    In all seriousness, I hope you heal soon. As people have mentioned above, the mental scar can be almost worse. I got hit by a car about 18 months ago (nothing as serious as your incident), and I had 'the fear' for months afterwards. I had no inclination to go out on the bike, even thought of giving up cycling.

    When the time comes to get back on the bike, if you are worried there are plenty folk here that will happily cycle with you until you get your confidence back.

    Posted 11 years ago #

22. rosscbrown
    Member

    Sure so some more details:

    I was cycling home from work and had come down Lothian Rd onto Princes St and up past the Scottish Government building and then down onto Regent Road.

    I didn't get far down Regent Road (heading towards Meadowbank area) before noticing that there was a white coach bus to the left hand side - where you might except a bus to be parked - in the parking bays and not occupying the main lane.

    I was aware of the bus as it was not aligned parallel to the pavement but rather the front was angled out slightly. I'm sure I saw the reverse lights on.

    I recall thinking that it was a little strange that the bus was reversing but assumed that the driver was just straightening up in parking bay.

    I decided that it was safe to continue but that I would give the bus a very wide pass. So I looked behind me to make sure the road was clear. As I couldn't hear any traffic behind I simultaneously started to move towards the centre line of the road.

    By the time I looked around again the bus was now turning across my lane and I had no where to go. There was a blue car approaching in the opposing lane so I didn't cross the centre line otherwise I would have likely made contact with that car.

    I hit the brakes and locked the back wheel. I tried to come off the back brake a little but the rear of the bike had slipped too far forward and then I locked the front wheel and ended up with the right side of my body sliding down the road - legs still around the bike.

    I slid for around four seconds (I think - your sense to time changes in these situations) before my bike came to a stop. Handle bars had entered the front wheel arch of the bus and were lodged between the bus and the ground. My legs were pinned between the road and the bike and the bike and the bus.

    The bus continued to move forward and I moved with it across the centre line and well into the opposing lane. I realised that the driver wasn't aware I was there so I started banging on the side of the bus and the pain of the bus crushing me a little caused me to shout out.

    The driver eventually come off the gas and either let the bus slip back or put the thing into reverse. I again moved with the bus and was believe that the bus wheel either made contact with me or my bike leading to more pain,

    By this point two members of the public were running over and shouting for the driver to stop. I used my elbows to get out from under the bus and then waited for the paramedics.

    There was a little rain while I was cycling but not indication earlier in the ride that the road surfaces were slippery. In terms of speed, I was probably doing around 20ish. Wouldn't be uncommon to be doing 30-35mph down there in fine weather.

    Had I not ended up under the bus I would have been feathering the brakes by then with the aim of a very slow deceleration in anticipation of the traffic lights at the end of the road.

    So in short: I ran into the bus but I don't think the bus should have been in my lane. i

    Posted 11 years ago #

23. kaputnik
    Moderator

    If the bus moved into your lane without mirroring, signalling, maneouvring, surely the police have to act!?

    Posted 11 years ago #

24. rosscbrown
    Member

    Baldcyclist - please forgive me for forgetting the most important details! :) I've not picked the bike up from the police station yet but I understand the bike is in pretty good condition. Scratched up and the handle bars bent out of shape. But otherwise fine.

    I don't think my insurers will cover the paintwork. I'm devastated as I was trying so hard to keep this bike in good condition. I even have some 3M Leading Edge tape on order to help protect the bike. *sigh* So much for having a lovely new bike to ride about on

    Posted 11 years ago #

25. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    Good grief! Even if the bus driver did indicate he's pulled out in a clear SMIDSY. And the police won't act?!?!?!!

    I'd imagine the reverse with you still under was him essentially doing a three point turn (no way a bus can turn in one there). I've gone down that road many times, and like you always wary of the buses around there. Seems now with good reason.

    Posted 11 years ago #

26. minus six
    Member

    who told you that no action would be taken against the driver?

    was it just the cop who earlier interviewed you at the scene?

    Posted 11 years ago #

27. rosscbrown
    Member

    Two officers attended and the same two took a statement from me at the hospital as well as a breathalyzer test (perfect zero!).

    I called the LBP service centre for details of the third party and any witnesses. I then asked what happens next and he said that the from the report no one has been charged and it doesn't look like they want to charge anyway.

    Don't remember much about the bus driver other than him asking me, "Didn't you see me?".

    Posted 11 years ago #

28. crowriver
    Member

    So the bus was doing a u-turn? Without checking for traffic (ie. you) behind him? I'd say that's clearly the bus driver's fault. Careless driving at the very least.

    Let's look at this:

    - You're injured though not seriously
    - The bike is damaged
    - You are now scared to cycle on the road

    I'm pretty appalled that the police are not doing anything. Maybe they consider there was contributory negligence on your part? Do you know if they took witness statements from the pedestrians?

    Whatever the case, if you feel up to the task it might be worth contacting a lawyer about this. I've heard good things about Cycle Law Scotland (other lawyers are available): http://www.cycling-accident-compensation.co.uk/

    Posted 11 years ago #

29. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "Don't remember much about the bus driver other than him asking me, "Didn't you see me?"."

    That's a classic line, heard tell of that sort of response before. A driver does something wrong, but assumes that others around, who he hasn't seen, will simply cede priority because he's big - not taking into account the fact that the move was started when avoiding action was impossible. (and it's also ironic that someone who doesn't see you then queries your competence by suggesting you should have seen them (when you clearly did, otherwise the impact could have been even greater).

    Shocking and appalling attitude from the polcie not to even investigate properly if they're giving that level of brush off.

    Posted 11 years ago #

30. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    This type of thing also (in my mind) justifies me having a camera on the bike - the police would still likely do nothing, but I could start posting the video online and telling people that the police were doing nothing.

    Posted 11 years ago #

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