2010-08-01 - Rider Down, Hornsey Lane

Hi guys,

Had an off tonight, nothing serious but thought I'd write it up...

I was riding down Hornsey lane (between Highgate and Crouch end) and an old lady stepped out in front of me without looking.

I had chance to shout and brake a bit, but we collided and I came off.

I was lying down still when two guys came over (I think they must have been the old lady's sons) and they started screaming at me. One of them kicked my bike a few times. He then made to kick me, but fortunately the other one got in the way.

I was still trying to assess how I was doing - I knew I hadn't hit my head but I was shaking and there was blood on my leg.

A lady came over to me and asked if I was OK. She then positioned herself between me and the guys and told them to calm down.

They were shouting at me that I was travelling way too fast, and that they were going to call the police. I thought this was a little odd, to be honest - assaulting me and then calling the police, but I didn't say anything.

I was trying to get a handle on how I was doing - my knee and thigh were a bit scraped and a few bruises, but nothing serious.

The paramedics arrived in a few minutes, and they seemed to think the old lady was alright - they walked her to the ambulance. One of them asked me how I was doing - I said I was fine, just a few scrapes, but I was slightly worried about the relatives kicking off. The paramedic said that the police were just a few minutes away - and would call ahead to tell them what had happened.

When the police arrived, they immediately asked me which guy had kicked my bike, and did I want to press charges? I said that I didn't, I just wanted to get on because I was late for my squash game.

They were very clear to the relatives that it was my right of way, clearly I hadn't been travelling too fast because I only had a few scrapes and wasn't wearing a helmet, and that the old lady should have looked before stepping out.

So I went on my merry way. I thought the police were very good, and I was very grateful to the good samaritan lady who positioned herself between me and the guys. Even in my shaken state, I noticed she was pretty hot ;)

Hope that's an interesting little read.
Take care all,
Steven

p.s. Sorry I haven't been up to Norths Drinks for a month - work's been mental.

Sounds like it could have been a lot worse. You can understand the sons getting a bit over emotional, even if it was all the lady's fault, lucky there was someone there willing to get involved and calm things down. Didn't you ask for the hot samaritan's number, you know, in case you needed a witness or something?

Glad you're alright, it's one of those situation that could've turn incredibly nasty, especially with those blokes kicking off.

Quick question; how close to the kerbs were you riding?

Lucky escape.
Could be worse if you smashed into a kid on a bmx and the whole estate of half-brothers and uncles descended on you (it happened to my friend - a biker who clipped a wanker riding on the wrong side of the road, hands free while talking on the mobile).

Right next to New Orleans so the situation east end images is talking about is never far away.
Glad to hear you're alright. As edscoble said were you close to the kerb at all? Not that it would justify someone walking into your path.

Find it very amusing that you didn't want to press charges due to being late for a squash game.
I think i'm impressed? Gald you're mostly okay!

Thanks for your replies, guys.

I was travelling dead centre of the lane, so a good 4-5 feet from the kerb. The lady just sped into my path when she heard my shout.

I can understand the guys being emotional that their Mum had just had an accident, but I don't think kicking someone's bike when they've just fallen off it and are lying by the side of the road is ideal behaviour. - But you're absolutely right - could have been a whole lot worse.

Alas, the hot samaritan had an engagement ring on ;)

Cheers all - take care.

Steve

got really shaken up last night when a woman holding a new born decided to do this to me - ffs are new mother's not meant to be slightly safety concious when carrying their children around?

got really shaken up last night when a woman holding a new born decided to do this to me - ffs are new mother's not meant to be slightly safety concious when carrying their children around?

It's like the "Pram as Shield" mentality/phenomenon. "Pram as Battering-Ram" is similar.

Alas, the hot samaritan had an engagement ring on ;)

pfff, still open season - besides - chicks dig scars.

Steve - bad luck - come to Norths tonight and accept concilliatory pint(s)