Today was a lovely day for a bike ride, so we set off to visit friends, do a couple of messages and take a few photos on the way. It is lovely and flat here, and we often walk or cycle and only take the car when we have to get the grocery order.
The pic shows a native flora, Kangaroo Paw in one of the garden plots in the main street of our country town.
We only rode on for two blocks and I was well ahead. As I passed a motel entrance I was knocked down by a car coming out of the driveway. There was a high hedge and the vehicle was not visible, but it was my fault as I was riding on the footpath which stretched empty for blocks before me.
Fortunately the driver, an elderly gent, was able to stop immediately and apart from a ruined blouse, and a few bruises I am fine. The front wheel is very slightly buckled. God was watching over me. Barry was a bit annoyed as I had told him about having to stop suddenly as a car came out of a driveway a few weeks ago, and he felt I had not learned from that.
I don't know if I mentioned it, but I had a much worse spill a couple of months ago, when my front wheel ran into the groove between the concrete path and the grass, and I fell very heavily on the side of my chest and head that time and was very thankful for my helmet.
Children under 12 are allowed to ride on the footpath, but after my experience, any street there are concealed driveways should be off limits for cyclists.
I always wear my helmet and I will stay on the road in future!
I respect Guy Penrod and share this song:
Joining in with Rory at Coffee Chat. This is a long post, and the Linky is at the foot.
Hugs and Blessings
10 comments:
Oh my word, a little too close for comfort if it has happened twice in several weeks. I can really see that god is watching over you. I did love your photo as it reminded me of fond memories of travelling in northern Australia (storefronts and the way you park cars there). I like Guy Penrod too but won't have time to listen to the video right now. Perhaps will visit again. Blessings. xx
I have had a few falls from my bike too. The last one I tore my hamstring muscle and could hardly walk. I am so glad you were not injured more from getting hit by the car. Your Kangaroo Paw is gorgeous. Happy Spring! Have a great day!
Glad you are okay Jan, but don't give up the cycling.
Hi Jan, it's lovely to "meet" you, and I most definitely glad you are okay after your bike fall!
We have the same law here, that kids are supposed to ride their bikes on the sidewalk; rather than the road. But I can't tell you how many times on my very own street I have had to holler to watch for a car backing out of a driveway!! It can happen so fast: the child is biking fast, the car is watching for cars, not bikes: and then an almost certain near miss. Thus, my kids always, always wear their helmets, even though it's just our little neighbourhood sidewalk.
Thanks for sharing this and reminding us all: safety first. And don't ride faster than your guardian angel can fly!! Great song.
I am glad to hear that you are okay. Unfortunately one of my pet peeves is cyclist who ride on the sidewalk especially since our city has bike lanes. Not only do you have watch out for cars but also the poor walkers.
Bicycles and cars just don't mix very well, indeed. I'm glad you weren't seriously hurt. It truly takes a lot of skill to handle unpredicted situations and some you just can't avoid at any cost. I recall many years ago a young kid whipped out in front of my friend's car. I was a passenger. It scared me too death. I yelled at that kid's stupidity for not looking and clearly this kid could see us if he had glanced over his shoulder, too. Things could have gone terribly wrong that day, but my friend's reactions were swift to act accordingly - missing the child. Phew!
Thanks for your comments and well wishes.
Even though I took full responsibility for being on the footpath, what if it had been a jogger, or a mother with a pram, they wouldn't have had a chance, as the gent didn't stop before poceeding, albiet slowly, across the footpath, what with the high hedge right up to the driveway.
I think it is wonderful you both of riding bicycles and instead of driving. I doubt I could even ride one now. It has been a long time. I enjoy just plain old walking. With gas so high, we all need a bicycle. It is a blessing you were not hurt more seriously. Do be careful.
I just read this post. You poor thing. I'm glad you didn't come off too badly. You've reminded me to look more carefully before I back out of my driveway too. We've got some large hedges too, altough my street is quiet and there is no concrete footpath people do walk and jog along there.
Thanks Rod, and everyone, for your kind thoughtful remarks.
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