‘Lucky to be alive’ cyclist hits out at North Yorkshire County Council (From Craven Herald)
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‘Lucky to be alive’ cyclist hits out at North Yorkshire County Council
8:00am Saturday 25th August 2012 in News
Peter Edmundson after the accident
A cyclist claims poor maintenance of a cattle grid by North Yorkshire County Council caused him to catapult from his bike and suffer horrendous injuries.
Peter Edmundson counts himself lucky to be alive after the crash on the Carleton to Colne Road near Elslack Moor as he was riding his usual route.
The 57-year-old from Lothersdale was flung from his bike when the front wheel got jammed in a gap which ran the width of the grid.
The engineer blames the accident on lack of maintenance which has allowed the bars to come apart.
It left him unconscious for about a minute and semi-conscious for five to ten minutes as passers-by came to his rescue.
“I came round but didn’t know where I was or what had happened. The first thing I remember was being on the ground.
“The bike wheel had got jammed in the gap and I was thrown off about three metres onto the road. The bike actually remained standing up.”
He was taken to Airedale General Hospital at Steeton by car where he had a scan. He had injuries to his head, bruises to his body, legs, knees and cuts to his chest and damage to his shoulder and arms.
“I count myself very lucky not to be much more seriously injured. It’s not an exaggeration to say there is potential for somebody to be killed.”
Mr Edmundson was particularly angry that after reporting the accident to the county council, nothing had been done when he returned three days later.
“It’s as if they have not taken this seriously. Nothing has been done - there is not even a sign warning cyclist of the danger and advising people to dismount,” he added.
A North Yorkshire County Council spokesman said: “The county council regrets any incident where people are injured on the highway. We are currently investigating the condition of the cattle grid on Elslack Moor and the cause of the accident.”
Comments(15)
thetapeworm
says...
10:22pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Surely he should be able to use the highway without having to resort to getting off at specific places to carry his bike over obstacles? He wasn't riding a sheep!
Andy Holden
says...
11:14pm Sat 25 Aug 12
Jamiesiam wrote:That is one of the most ignorant comments I have ever read. Enough said.
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
White Rhino
says...
7:22pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Jamiesiam wrote:What a ridiculous and stupid comment, millions of people ride bikes and they are all condemned because of the odd inconsiderate few. Millions drive cars and a few like idiots too, but we still expect the roads to be safe for all.
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
Tom 22
says...
9:42pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Jamiesiam wrote:How can you write such an insensitive comment when somebody has clearly been badly hurt!?
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
The majority of cyclists are conscientious, careful riders who respect other road users.
Cyclists are vulnerable and roads should be safe for all.
Tom 22
says...
9:42pm Sun 26 Aug 12
Jamiesiam wrote:How can you write such an insensitive comment when somebody has clearly been badly hurt!?
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
The majority of cyclists are conscientious, careful riders who respect other road users.
Cyclists are vulnerable and roads should be safe for all.
Skipton Ratepayer
says...
9:54am Mon 27 Aug 12
Jamiesiam
says...
2:34pm Wed 29 Aug 12
White Rhino
says...
12:21pm Thu 30 Aug 12
Jamiesiam wrote:It's such a hard life for you, you poor thing having to occasionally move around things must be terrible for you
I also disapprove strongly of two abreast prams for twins and mobility scooters for the terminally lazy as I am practically forced off the pavement into traffic by these louts!
Jamiesiam
says...
12:52pm Thu 30 Aug 12
White Rhino
says...
2:14pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Doc Daneeka
says...
2:55pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Jamiesiam wrote:Are you ill in the head?
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
Jamiesiam
says...
3:45pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Doc Daneeka wrote:No but very nearly ill in other places as a result of maniac cyclists!
Jamiesiam wrote:Are you ill in the head?
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
White Rhino
says...
7:55pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Jamiesiam wrote:Best news I have heard all week
Doc Daneeka wrote:No but very nearly ill in other places as a result of maniac cyclists!
Jamiesiam wrote:Are you ill in the head?
Cyclists show little or no consideration for others, they ride at speed on the pavement especially on Keighley rd and on the canal towpath! The police do nothing of course. I've no sympathy for this guy he should have dismounted.
Jamiesiam
says...
8:17pm Sat 1 Sep 12
Jamiesiam says...
8:21pm Sat 25 Aug 12