Norwich cyclist thrown head-first into kerb urges others to wear helmet
Brian Medler pictured with the £20 cycle helmet which he says saved his life.Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
A cyclist who was thrown head-first into a kerb after being hit by a car is today urging others to wear a safety helmet.
Dents in Brian Medler's £20 cycle helmet which he says saved his life.Picture: ANTONY KELLY - Credit: Archant
Brian Medler, from Sprowston, suffered three broken ribs following the accident at Snowdonia National Park last month.
But the 34-year-old army reservist believed his £20 cycling helmet prevented him from a far more serious injury.
'If I hadn't been wearing that helmet, I would not be speaking now,' he said. 'I hate to think what would have happened to me.
'They are so important and it frustrates me when I'm driving around and see people cycling without a helmet. If you take a tumble without one, that could be it.'
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The father-of-three had been out cycling with friends when he lost his balance while unclipping his foot from a pedal during a break.
He then fell into the path of an oncoming car, which had been unable to stop in time. Mr Medler said he was thrown up into the air and then smashed his forehead into a kerb, knocking him unconscious.
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'I remember lying on my back thinking, 'why am I in so much pain and struggling to breathe?'' he added.
The accident resulted in an eight-hour stay at a hospital in Bangor and a further two days at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Thanks to his helmet, which fractured in four places, he only suffered a minor friction burn to his head. He is now urging others to make sure they put one on.
'It just takes one careless driver or a gust of wind to blow you off course and the next thing you know you could be going through a car windshield,' he said. 'They need to be worn.'
Are you looking to raise awareness of an issue? Call Luke Powell on 01603 772684.
