Cycling accidents

[tankepan]

I came across this website andfound a whole discussion on our cycling accident in December in which my friend died.  I cycled with him on that day.  it was interesting to hear all the different opinions of everyone.  We have been cycling together for 7 years when the accident happened.  We both had a love for triathlons and especially the ultra races.  The only way to really prepare for an ultra triathlon is to spend hours in the saddle.  Over the last few years we tried every possible road to cycle on.  WE never felt safe on any road and always felt lucky when we got off our bikes and nothing happened that day after trucks squeezed past you.  Then they built the new N4 to Rustenburg.  We knew we weren't allowed to cycle on there but for the first time we found a road which really felt safe.  We were both very aware of road safety.  If you leave at 5:30 in the morning the road is sooo quiet and the yellow lane is very big and no one drives in the yellow lane at that time of the morning. 

And then the accident happend because of one guy who drove too fast, overtook on a solid line, lost control of his car and hit us in the yellow lane.

Yes we weren't allowed to cycle there but what else must you do!  You've got a love for a sport and you try your best to be as safe as you can and someone still gets killed!  I don't think it is safe anywhere on the road in South-Africa and just realised it is better to stay on the mountain bike.  It took my friends life for me to realise it is not worth it to be on the road.

Hopefully I can complete my first ironman next year by only spending time on the mountain bike cause I am not willing to go again through what I've been that day....it is just not worth it!

Please be safe on your bikes...i know you cycle because of your love for the sport and I wish for all of you our roads could be safer!!!

[Canaris]

Tankepan, welcome. I heavy topic for your first posting. Goodluck for your first Ironman.

[shaunh]

tankepan, my sincere condolences on the tragic loss of your beloved friend.

 

It is and will always remain unsafe to ride our bicycles on the road today. Only we as cyclists can make ourselves as safe and visible as possible.

 

Please can you advise the link of this website.

 

As mentioned before, wear bright high visibility clothing and a rear light even during daytime!!!

 

Keep safe!! 

[Eugene]

Riding MTB is not much safer. It's not the cars to worry about, but the people in the bush who are just waiting to steal your bike so they can swop it for a litre of wine. They won't hesitate stab you for your bike.

 

 

[pastapouch]

Ya, its always bad to read about those, and to experience it firsthand must be thE worst. But welcome, and good luck with the first Ironman, nothing beats going over that finish, whether you're first or (almost)last

[tankepan]

In the Groenkloof nature reserve it is quite safe to mountain bike.  And with all the animals there it makes it amazing!

[Tumbleweed]

real crap thing to have to go through  

[slowpoke]

tnakepan, welcome to the hub. what happened was an utter tragedy - sincere condolences.

 

the best is to try ride in larger bunches (but not oo large) - lots of hubbers are happy to meet other hubbers so keep coming to the site.

 

unfortunately some accidents will happen no matter what, and you need to consider the fact that you can just as easily be killed or maimed in a car crash, so is it really worth giving up what you love?

[scotty]

Unfortunately in order to have a high level of safety (accdients and muggers), you have to pay.

Road - Wesbank, Kyalami

 

MTB - Logwood, N/Farm

 

Such is life in SA today.

[Robotech]

My condolences to you and your freind's family...

Goodluck with the Ironman tankepan...welcome to the hub...

 

 

[Bateleur1]

Tankepan, from my side my sincere condolences.  I was not a personal friend of your beloved friend but I found out that I have trained with him several times and it also shocked me more after hearing it.  When he was preparing for the Ironman 2006 he grouped with two other guys of which one guys name is Leonard.  Now Leonard and myself have been cycling together for 5 almost 6 years now.  I joined the trio on their cycling runs in preperation for their Ironman. 

When my wife was in Labour in the beginning of December, the nurse who assisted her was telling us of all the hell they went through when her husband was run over on his bicycle.  The hundreds of thousands of rands in medical expenses and the trauma involved.  I am sure you can associate with this.  She told me that she will divorce her husband should he ever consider to ride a bicycle again.  I do have respect for that.  I did ask her one question and I would like to ask you this as well.

 

Would he have been in a car with an accident and end up with the same level of injuries and trauma.  Would she have banned him from getting in a car again?

 

I have been in two car accidents and although minor I know what trauma one can go through.  But you have to be strong and continue with your life.  I am not sure that I would stop cycling had I been in the same situation.  It might take me a long time to get back, but I will fight back for the love of the sport.

 

I am sure that with time you could face the roads again. 

 

Good luck with your preparations for the Ironman and welcome to the Hub.

[gummibear]

from my side my sincere condolences

in 2001 while training for Gordons bay Ironman i was hit buy a lady drive who said the sun was in her eyes and never saw me.had concussion,125 stiches in right arm(my arm broke her passenger window and got torn)and broken collar bone.

in 2002 i was hit buy a drunk driver at 05:30 in the morning.had concussion and broke right leg in two places.

 

i then get my bike replaced for the second time and start riding 6 months later

 

in 2003 a taxi hits me and i had had reconstructive surgerey to my face and my ear(ear was almost cut off).i had 160 stiches to my face and ear.the insurance paid out and went for one ride and i had to phone my wife to fetch me after 6or 7 km.i sold the bike

 

in October 2006 i decide to do my 4th Ironman in 2007.i go out and buy a bike .i get dressed to ride but i couldnt get on the bike.i was s@#t scared.i went for 8 weeks of counceling before i could get out on the road.i did most of my riding infront of my TV on a trainer.only rode on a Sunday on the road.i have now decided to buy a MTB so i can ride on pavement and off road .my wife and baby mean to much to me to put them  throgh all this again.i still shake when a car rides behind me and i jump off the bike when a truck or bus comes near me.this was all on quiet roads

 

my advice is that you should go for counceling

 

Good luck for Ironman 2008