One of my tri friends got hit by a car today.

[Susie]

There's a group of about 8 of us training for the same HIM in June, we're all in the same tri club and all friends.  4 of them went out for an outdoor ride today.  I opted not to, because it was in the low 30's, and I just wasn't that tough I guess.

A few miles from home, one of my girls got hit by a car.  They were riding down a road we all ride all the time, no intersections, no major distractions.  Just a bakery and a convenience store along the road.  A car coming from the opposite direction made a left to go into the convenience store, wasn't paying attention, and turned right into my friend.  Another friend was behind her and almost got hit too, but was able to stop in time.

She is going to be ok, but who knows what it'll mean for her training.  She went to the hospital by ambulance, fortunately nothing broken, just lots of bruising and swelling.  They'll have to wait til that goes down to determine whether anything else is damaged.  Her bike is a disaster.  According to my friend who was behind her, she was thrown about 15 feet in the air.

I wasn't even there and it freaks me out.  I feel awful for her.  First outdoor ride of the year!  It's the kind of dumb thing that can happen to anybody out there.  Just a reminder to be safe out there, wear the goofy fluorescent colors, carry a phone, and all that jazz.  I don't want to hear about this happening to any H&Fers too!

[amesmarie]

Oh no!! That is so scary! That is always one of my biggest fears when I'm out there. We try to avoid busier areas but you just never know. I'm glad she is doing ok. Sounds like it could have been much worse.

[Deleted]

Oh no. That's my worst fear on a bicycle. Thank god she is relatively OK. T&P's to your friend for a speedy recovery.

[joenali]

So scary!! I just did my first outdoor long ride today and it crossed my mind more than once how easy it is to get hot by a car. I hope your friend heals fast!

[sadlebred]

1. I'm glad your friend is ok other than mostly bruises. She is lucky; thank goodness for helmets!
2. Were the police called? Did she get the name of the driver? If not, she needs to call the police and file a report. The driver is liable for her medical bills and the cost to replace her bike, cycling clothes, helmet, and anything else that got destroyed. The driver should also have been charged with failing to yield to an oncoming vehicle (the bikes).
3. If it was that bad, I'd also have her consult a personal injury attorney before settling with the insurance company.

Unfortunately, I have too much personal experience in this arena.

[Susie]

Yes, the police were called, and the driver was cited. I assume for failure to yield. He stayed at the scene and was honest with the police, from what my friends said. He told them that he wasn't paying attention and didn't see them.

Like her injuries, that part too could've been a lot worse.

[D2M]

Scary! Hope your friend is back on her feet soon.

[jchokie79]

How horrible. Hope your friend recovers soon! Definitely very scary.

[kams]

Oh no, no, no. My biggest fear. I'm so glad she is relatively ok and the driver was cooperative. T&Ps to her and your whole group - I know it's traumatic just to be there.

[Deleted]

That is so scary. T&p for a quick recovery.

[zoidberg]

OMG, I hope she will be ok and not too traumatized. How scary.

[Deleted]

That's so scary, I hope she recovers quickly.

[pixy0stix]

Ooof! I hope she recovers quickly!

[gt7301b]

Oh, Susie, I'm so sorry!  I hope your friend has a speedy recovery.

[katinthehat]

that's so awful. I'm glad this story has as positive of an outcome as it does