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Bike and Small Wheeled Recreation Safety

Carmen’s Story

I never thought it could happen to me…

I was biking to summer school on my new road bike and was hit by a bus!

My friend and I had traveled this route a few times before, so I was confident in swerving to the other side of the road to avoid a busy intersection up ahead. That day, there happened to be a bus coming up beside me and I didn’t shoulder check enough to notice. My friend told me the bus was going the same way as I was and just clipped me on my side. I fell and hit my head on the pavement. I was unconscious for about a minute and then got up and asked what happened. Someone called the ambulance.

All I remember of that day is biking about half a block and then waking up in the hospital and seeing my Mom. My Dad actually arrived about an hour earlier and apparently I nearly drove him crazy asking the same questions over and over again. “What happened? Where am I? Where is my friend?” I couldn’t seem to retain the information.

Thankfully, the CAT scan didn’t show any injury and after a few hours I was feeling better.

A week later I was pretty much back to my old self after experiencing a concussion, road rash and some sore muscles. My parents are keen cyclists and always insist that the entire family wear a helmet when cycling.

I know what happened could have been a lot worse. I am very thankful I was wearing my helmet!

To reduce the risk of serious injury while biking, always wear the gear, including a helmet, when biking.

Learn more about bike safety.

Current as of: July 7, 2023

Author: Provincial Injury Prevention, Alberta Health Services

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.