Hit by a car

[4074]

Two years ago I was hit by a car. I didn't have a lot of damage but seeing my family in the ER waiting to see the results of my mri really hit home. I miss riding on tho country roads but I'm having a hard time climbing back on the bike and having my family worry.
I'm not into stationary bikes and I have physical limitations to bumpy roads or tails. My Q45 is ready to roll. Any suggestions

 

[Tryn2Cruz]

I ride at the local schools. They have all put in extra lanes to provide for the large amount of car traffic these days. I ride in the evenings after school is out. The only traffic I experience is the occasional golf cart. I've done over 1500 miles this year at the schools with no problems. I just listen to a book or music. It's fun carving through the S turns. Did 50 this morning.

I know it sounds boring, but at least you're out riding.

 

[Greg S]

I know what you're going through. I was hit by a car twice, both internationally (Australia and Thailand). The second time was far more serious (2 days in an ICU, 8 days recovery before I was able to fly home). My wife wasn't with me either time and believe me, it was much worse for her not being there.

The more recent collision caused further damage to my back (I had back surgery in 2020, the collision was in 2024) which basically ended my days of riding a conventional bike, that's part of the reason why I'm here.

I'm fortunate that I live in a rural area and am able to ride on relatively quiet roads. Nevertheless, it took a while before I was able to ride again. I tend not to dwell on the past but I still think about it from time to time while riding.

TBH, once I started riding again I can't say anything changed. I'm as careful as I ever was, don't have panic attacks when a car is coming, etc. I put the collision(s) down to one of those things that happen. I don't mean to be overly flip about it but I believe strongly that a prudent person does what they need to do to mitigate risk to a level that's acceptable to them and then gets on with their life and that's what I've done.

Good luck!

 

[vmi1056]

Every experience is different so as someone who also has been hit by a car, I can relate to where you are coming from and your family’s concern. My first and probably most obvious recommendation is bike trails/rail to trails. The Q45 is a perfect rail trail machine and it’s fun exploring different trails in the area to keep it from getting boring riding the same one repeatedly. Many of them are well maintained and smooth. My second recommendation is to find organized events hosted by local bike clubs or other organizations. There is safety in numbers when you have a few hundred other cyclists on the road with you. Also, many of these events have law enforcement working traffic crossings and patrolling the route. You can feel safe in the bunch and meet other cyclists as a bonus. Also, as someone who also enjoys country road riding, I make it a point to monitor the traffic patterns and hit those roads when the traffic is minimal, early mornings if on the weekend and mid-morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays is what works for me on my local roads. Lastly, in addition to my mirrors, adding a radar has been a great safety addition for me as well. Hope you can get back out there soon and keep the body moving, good luck.

 

[Joe Riel]

Three years ago, while riding an upright, I was hit by a car and spent the next two months in two hospitals, the first of which I have no memory. My wife, who visited every day, was not wild about me riding again, but she's also a cyclist and knows how significant cycling is, so suggested a CruzBike. I've invested the last year learning to ride again (the v20 is so much different than an upright) and it has been great. My advice is to use the bike when you can. It really feels good putting in miles.