Medics told a Maldon man that his cycling helmet probably saved his life in a hit and run incident.
Charles Lodge, 62, of Wickham Hall Lane, was in training for a charity bike ride and had just completed a 100-mile circuit when he was hit by a car in Church Lane, Wickham Bishops.
Mr Lodge said that the car had been on the wrong side of the road and that he had pulled over to the footpath to let it pass when he was struck.
Witnesses told police that the car reversed and drove off after knocking Mr Lodge across the bonnet and into the road.
He was taken to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, with bruises and a cut to the head.
The collision, which happened a quarter of a mile from his home, smashed his cycling helmet and left his fluorescent cycling clothes in pieces.
He said: "I had done 85 miles, so decided to do the extra round Heybridge. The speedo rolled over to 101 just as I got to the village. I don't remember much after that. I'm badly bruised, but I'm OK."
The incident happened around 6.30pm on May 15 and police are appealing for witnesses and searching for a K-registration Rover or a Ford Escort which is dark coloured, possibly green.
Anyone with information should contact Pc Jonathon Harmon at the Chelmsford road policing unit on 01245 452918/6.
Published Friday, May 23, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article