I received an amazing Close Call report yesterday:
I was driving down NE 28th today and as I was passing Fred Meyers, noticed someone laying in the gutter on the corner. I stopped to help. What I understand, was that a cyclist headed north on 28th had been clipped at relatively low speed by a driver turning left into Fred Meyers. Unfortunately, his hat didn’t protect him very well, and he appeared to have sustained a severe head injury (read: not really breathing when I arrived). Another bystander and myself got his airway open, and he was still alive when the ambulance drove off.
The reason that I’m posting this is not necessarily that this is a super-dangerous intersection, but more as a plea for people to wear their helmets. Although I love being useful, and plying my trade (RN), I really do not like people getting injured, permanently or otherwise. I ride by so many people without helmets every day. Even if you are careful, even if you are an awesome rider – you can easily sustain a head injury when you wreck without a helmet. Come on Portland cyclists – it isn’t hard to wear a helmet, and it could save you a lot of suffering.
Turns out that the passing cyclist just happened to be a Registered Nurse and avid bike commuter who works at Portland Providence Medical Center.
I sometimes take quick, neighborhood trips without my helmet but stories like this remind me to reach for it next time…I may not be as lucky as this guy.