Hartlepool cycling club stalwart's health battle after bike crash

A grandfather who needed 11 hours of surgery and narrowly escaped with his life after being knocked off his bike has told how the accident continues to cast a shadow over his life.
Injured cyclist David Herbert.Injured cyclist David Herbert.
Injured cyclist David Herbert.

David Herbert, who served as secretary of Hartlepool Cycling Club for more than 20 years, suffered a bleed on the brain, multiple breaks to his right leg, a fractured spine and several broken ribs in the collision.

It happened as the 73-year-old and two friends - all wearing brightly coloured clothing - rode home on the A689 from a club meeting one evening last July.

Injured cyclist David Herbert.Injured cyclist David Herbert.
Injured cyclist David Herbert.
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David said he was injured in a collision with a car turning right across the carriageway to enter Butterwick Road, heading towards Trimdon and Fishburn.

He was the leader rider in the group, and was thrown into the air and then onto the road, with the impact leaving him fighting for his life.

He needed 11 hours of surgery and has since returned to the operating theatre, with the most recent procedure completed last month.

As he battles his way back to health, he has had to face the devastating news he may never ride again,

David Herbert in action.David Herbert in action.
David Herbert in action.
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David said: “I have always loved cycling from a very young age, and the fact that I can no longer get out on my bike is an enormous personal loss to me.

“It is devastating knowing that I may never again be able to pop out with my cycling friends and feel the wind in my face and that brilliant sense of freedom that any cyclist knows only too well.

“The physical injuries I have sustained are severe and impact greatly on my day-to-day life.

“There are so many drivers that need to take more care when they get behind the wheel.

Injured cyclist David Herbert.Injured cyclist David Herbert.
Injured cyclist David Herbert.
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“I am a car driver and this is not a ‘them and us’ situation, it is about being careful and taking an extra look to make sure the road is clear.”

A 20-year-old man was fined £300, and ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge and £620 costs, with his licence endorsed with six penalty points, in connection with the incident.

As a British Cycling member, David was referred to law firm Leigh Day, which is representing him in a civil case.

Rachel Botterill, the associate solicitor at Leigh Day, said: “My role is to now ensure that Mr Herbert gains justice via the civil law system so he can continue with his recovery and rehabilitation, and is able to continue to live as full a life as possible.”