Yesterday I left University at around 4. The weather was bliss and my bike had just been fixed. I was eagerly looking forward to riding it to Durham everyday for my new placement. I took a detour down to Jesmond. As I pulled off the main road, I saw straight-on traffic about 10-15 cars long but a clear right hand lane. Taking advantage, I skipped towards the front of the queue, where the lights were red. As I got level with the first few cars, the lights went amber so I rolled on the throttle slightly and moved in front of the first car. Halfway through the manoeuvre, a car in the opposing lane swung in front of me, before stopping abruptly and diagonally in front of me. I pulled the front brake hard, being careful not to lock it up. I felt the forks meet the furthest extension of the spring as I began feathering the rear brake. I had about 2 seconds to react. I aimed for the side of the car and hoped I'd roll onto the bonnet. The impact happened so quickly that I was on my feet a few seconds after holding my leg. The driver quickly got out, asking if I was alright. I picked the bike up and moved it off the road, letting traffic flow. A man pulled over and offered testament to my case.
Got the bike recovered by my breakdown cover and the driver kindly gave me a lift to A&E. Was only there for a few hours, got checked over and just had bruising and muscle damage luckily. I came off the bike when my left leg hit the side of the car sending me into the pillar breaking both that and the windshield. Pretty much called the week off as I don't feel great, have a surging headache and pains all down my left side.
Been on the phone to the insurance all today. Everyone is agreed that the other driver will accept full liability. Bike is due for repair tomorrow. Some of my gear was damaged too, including my helmet so that too will be replaced. The turnaround time is very swift, I will be getting a restricted hire bike tomorrow which is exciting.
More to come...
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