If you have read the ‘About this blog’ page you already know that I recently suffered a hip injury, which required surgery. The topic of this post is exactly what happened to me.

Even with all the years of riding experience, I never had the chance to consider what to do in such situation and that is why I am writing about it… I want to give you the chance to focus for a moment, in the hope it may get you ready and able to deal with it, if it happens to you.

Of course prevention would be the optimal solution, but even paying attention may not be enough because of unforeseen surrounding conditions.

As you can imagine, over several days spent in the hospital I had time to replay in my mind the accident about a thousand times … so these are my conclusive thoughts:

If you have enough room and it is safe, swerve away from the clip by bouncing off from the other wheel and then regain your balance. But if you are clipped hard and being pushed sideway, lean forward so you can put your weight in front of your bike and continue pedaling, this will prevent the rear wheel of the bike in front of you to throw you off high, which is what can happen and very possibly cause serious injury.

Once more, paying attention and avoiding to hit the wheel of the cyclist in front of you, is the best way to stay safe. Hopefully this post will help you to either, prevent the situation, or get out of it without serious consequences.

Please share with us your thoughts about close calls and what the experience has taught you… so that we can help each other practice safe riding.

Thanks
Rodge