DOWN IN A SPLIT SECOND: THE CRASH

On Wednesday 5th November, I left work on my bike to ride home. Some had expressed concern about the potential for issues, with youths known for throwing fireworks, but I wasn't deterred—this wasn't my first rodeo. So, at 10 pm, I rode into the night.

​There were just two areas that concerned me: halfway down Prince of Wales Road and where Greenland Road starts. I got through those without issue. There'd been a bonfire event at Don Valley Bowl, so traffic was present but not excessive along my usual route.

​Down in a Split Second

​Passing by Meadowhall Transport Interchange, I was coming up to the final leg of my ride. I'd stopped at the lights by the petrol station. The lights turned green, I kicked off, but before I'd really got going, I felt a sudden movement that was not coming from me, just for a split second, and then I was down.

​I remember trying to get up but I couldn't. It became clear that I'd been hit by a passing car. I was laid on the pavement, with searing pain running through my back. My bike was out of sight, but I could hear the collision alarm from my Garmin.

​People gathered around me, one calling an ambulance, another comforting me. Then Morticia phoned; the collision alarm is set up to message her upon sensing a crash. I told her I'd been involved in a collision and tried to reassure her, despite worrying that I couldn't stand and the intensity of the pain.

​The Long Night in A&E

​It wasn't long until the ambulance arrived, and the police came to do all the necessary paperwork as I was taken on a spinal board. Throughout the journey to hospital, I began to fear the worst. This was a back injury, after all. Would this be life-changing for me?

​In A&E, nurses made me comfortable and gave me painkillers. Just before I was wheeled off to a cubicle, Morticia arrived. I was so glad to see her; she was relieved I was "okay" but still understandably angry with the person who had caused this. I was told there would be a long wait for a doctor, and they weren't kidding. With the pain, the bright lights, and the noise from other cubicles, sleeping was impossible—I was up all night.

​I'm not sure what time the doctor finally came, probably around 5 am, six hours after I'd been brought in. I was examined and sent off for a precautionary X-ray. It came back all clear - no damage to my spine or other broken bones, and the doctor explained that I had a badly sprained back. While it was incredibly painful, I would make a full recovery.

​I was told I'd be discharged provided I could walk (I refused to piss in a pot), so I managed a short and painful walk to the toilet and was duly discharged with a prescription of medication to get me through the first week.

​Grateful for a Lucky Escape

​To my bed I went. I’m not one for lingering in bed, and yet here I was, confined. Every movement coupled with searing agony, leading to disturbed sleep and a horrible feeling of being trapped. Even trips to the bathroom were major efforts, and I was deprived of walking my dog, Magnus, one of life's greatest pleasures.

​Despite all this, I am lucky. This was a lucky escape. I'm not facing a long, drawn-out recovery. It's not going to be life-changing, and I'm not facing long-term disability. Thank the gods for that, at least.

As for the bike? If anyone has ever seen me ride they'll know its lit up like a Blackpool tram so 'sorry i didnt see you' doesnt hold up (i have no idea what the driver said at this point). The damage is still to be assessed but im annoyed I just fitted that new back wheel. Will this deter me from riding? Well I might re-evaluate my route but it won't stop me riding. Hopefully I'll be back on two wheels soon.

A Week Later

A week on from the collision, my recovery is slow but steady. The pain is persistent, and sleep remains difficult, but I am seeing definite improvements. I can now manage the trip downstairs to my reclining chair, where I'm spending most of my time. While walking for more than a few minutes is still difficult, I am thankful that I can walk! I am expecting to take another week off work. My family has been absolutely fantastic, especially Morticia, who has her own health issues yet has cared for me tirelessly. I keep reminding myself that this setback is temporary, and I will be back to my usual self soon. Finally, I want to thank everyone who has been in touch with 'get well soon' messages; your kindness truly meant a lot to me at my lowest point.

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