Headgear proves to be a lifesaver

FOLLOWING the near-death experience of one of its members, Howth Cycling Club is aiming to promote several campaigns to raise safety awareness for cyclists.

Veteran cyclist Peter Dobson, who holds an international race licence, was involved in a crash in January when he was travelling on a familiar commuter route near Oxford in the UK.

Mr Dobson was travelling at a modest 15kph coming up to a roundabout with traffic lights when his bike skidded on the surface spontaneously. The front wheel whipped up and smacked the back of his head.

His head slapped off the tarmac in the freak accident, which luckily didn’t involve a collision with a motorist, following a day of heavy rain showers.

Mr Dobson isn’t fully sure how the crash occurred, but believes a spill in transparent fluid to be the most probable theory.

“We think that rain must have brought leaked diesel down the hill which created a black ice effect,” he told Northside People.  

“Looking back, I am surprised I didn’t pass out after falling because there was a woman in her car travelling behind me and I managed to roll out of her way.

“Even though I was unlucky to have the first accident, I was very fortunate to avoid the other.”

It is a rarity to have a day that goes by in Dublin not to see a cyclist who takes their helmet for granted. However, Mr Dobson can now say that his headgear probably saved his life after falling off his bike.

“If I did not have my helmet on that day, I’d more than likely be dead,” he said.  

Mr Dobson suffered a half dozen broken ribs, spells of amnesia and concussion and had several joints misaligned following the incident.

“The doctor believed I suffered a broken neck at first but luckily that wasn’t the case,” he added. 

Although the helmet saved Peter from a life-altering injury or even worse, he still suffers from concussions almost every day since the accident. 

Chairman of Howth Cycling Club Graham Mulcahy said Peter’s accident highlights the importance of cyclists wearing a helmet at all times when out on their bikes.

The club, which was only formed last year, has been working closely with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) to set up a campaign called ‘Think Ahead’. They are hoping that Peter’s close call will serve as a warning to fellow cyclists to be aware of the need for wearing safety helmets.    

Furthermore, Mr Mulcahy is also promoting a campaign that plans to encourage motorists to stick to a ‘1.5 metre rule’, which he believes will give cyclists further protection.

“The ‘1.5 metre rule’ is a campaign to educate motorists to try and give cyclists 1.5 metres’ room when passing them out,” he said.   

“Cyclists have just as much right to be on the roads. Many motorists get very frustrated when stuck behind a group of cyclists, so we would like to educate motorists and cyclists alike on the rules of the road and etiquette of how to ride properly on the roads.”

Howth Cycling Club was founded in June 2015 and currently has 32 members. Mr Mulcahy is encouraging beginners to try out the sport and go for a spin with a club beginners’ cycle, which takes place on the first Monday of every month.

“Any people interested in joining are allowed to cycle with us three times before deciding to join the club,” he added.  

“The cost to join is €50 per year membership and also you must register with Cycling Ireland.” 

For more information on Howth Cycling Club’s activities, visit www.facebook.com/HowthCyclingClub/

Brein McGinn