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Injured students support helmets campaign
Injured student cyclists are helping Oxfordshire County Council promote the benefits of wearing a cycle helmet, after three members of the Trinity College rowing team were saved from serious injury by headgear.
Adam Walker was out with his friends Will Sweet and Dr Marc Swains, all members of the College Eight, when they came off of their bikes at 30mph. All three were cycling together when the lock from one cycle fell off of the handlebars and tangled two cyclists together. They subsequently fell off and the third cyclist crashed into them and was catapulted five metres.
All three hit their heads on the ground and smashed their helmets. Adam broke his elbow, Will broke his wrist and Marc injured his knee - but none sustained head injuries.
"The day after the accident, bike shops were selling out of helmets with students rushing to buy them when they saw the state of mine after the accident," Adam Walker said. "Accidents can happen to the most careful of people due to circumstances beyond their control. That is why helmets are so crucial. I would strongly recommend that anyone who uses a bicycle buys a helmet."
Dr Marc Swains, who is a surgeon, added: "I have seen, first hand, the injuries to people not wearing a helmet."
RSO Julie Jones said: "When we heard Adam's story we knew we had to try and get some good out of a bad event. These young men are sporty and well co-ordinated but this episode shows that it is really easy to simply fall off when something unusual happens."
Councillor David Robertson, executive member for transport added: "I am pleased that these young men did not sustain head injuries, and delighted that they are willing to help spread the message that helmets protect cyclists."
For further information contact Julie Jones,
