A cyclist who was hit by a car which then drove off is pleading with motorists to show more consideration – and has thanked those who came to his aid.
Andy Goligher, of Claremont Road in Bridport, was cycling home from work when he was knocked off his bike by a motorist on Victoria Grove.
He suffered cuts and scratches but was left in shock when the driver left the scene without checking he was ok.
It’s not the only incident of its kind in the past few weeks. There have been reports of another cyclist being knocked off their bike in Victoria Grove and another by the Crown roundabout. After both incidents the drivers are said to have driven off without stopping.
Andy is calling on motorists to show more consideration towards cyclists and leave extra space when passing them.
“I didn’t really register what happened at first,” he said. “I cycled after them as fast as I could and took the reg down. You just don’t expect that sort of thing to happen – especially here in Bridport. There are lots of people here on holiday so maybe it was someone who didn’t know their way around and was a bit lost and not concentrating but, even still, you’d expect them to stop and see if you’re ok.
“I cycle with my daughter quite a lot and she’s only nine. I do feel more worried now and she has had questions about the accident.”
Victoria Grove is a 20mph zone with tight pinch points and Andy was wearing a High Vis vest at the time of the incident.
“There was no excuse not to see me,” he said. “I would say to drivers – and I am a driver myself so I see it from both sides – just be cautious and give cyclists room. You don’t know what the cyclist can see. They might be moving to avoid a hazard. You need to give them time and space.
“But it is the not stopping which shocked me the most. You don’t expect that.”
Luckily, a woman walking by at the time of the incident came to Andy’s aid and helped him off the ground. A man also rushed over to check he was ok.
“The lady came over straight away to help and then a young lad, maybe in his 20s, came over and offered me a drink. I’m grateful to them for their help – and it goes to show there are still plenty of nice people around.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel