Cyclist single mum recalls terrifying moment she thought she was going to die during crash with Tesco lorry in Clapham Post Reply

[Annabel (admin)]

A 38-year-old single mum who was left with horrific injuries after being struck by a Tesco lorry in south-west London has spoken about the moment she thought she was going to die. 

Magdalena Tym was cycling home from work to her 13-year-old son Syzmon in Colliers Wood when she was struck by a lorry during a horror collision in Clapham South earlier this month. 

The 38-year-old designer and architect was left with horrific injuries to her arm and hand, which doctors said could be life-changing and left her needing three operations. 

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/ ... 65606.html

[mumofbabyandcrazydog]

Thank you for posting this Annabel.  My son and I watched the helicopter land to attend to this accident as a family that cycles a lot, it was awful to hear what happened.  In the article link that you share, there is a GoFundMe link -  i hope some other people will consider making a small donation to help this woman. 

[Denwand]

Anyone know exactly where this happened and on what road she was travelling on?

Nightingale Lane, Clapham Common South, Balham Hill , South Circular? Obviously she was travelling towards Colliers Wood but on what road?

Not being nosy it's just that I cycle around there at least three times a week and would like to know for my own safety.

 

[mumofbabyandcrazydog]

Clapham South - i think right by the big Tesco but not sure. 

[Goldhawk]

From the photos (seen on twitter) it looks like she and the truck were travelling South past Tesco on the A24
The truck turned left into the Tesco car park and that's where the collision occurred

From the article above she didn't see the truck indicating it was going to turn so she went up alongside it on the left

 

[chorister]

This is awful and thank heavens she seems to be making a slow recovery.

But if cyclists and vehicles are to share the same space, then cyclists simply have to learn never to come up on the inside of stationary or slow moving vehicles anywhere near a junction, even if they are not indicating.  A few days ago I was driving along the north embankment on Millbank, in the left hand lane, indicating to turn left over Vauxhall Bridge. I stopped at the head of the queue at red lights.  As the lights changed I went to turn left.  Fortunately I'm a gadget freak and my car is loaded with electronics, including blind spot indicators, which almost certainly stopped me hitting a bike that had come up on the inside as I was stationary.

[Bathtub]

Sorry, but it is your responsibility to make sure there is a clear path before you move. Don't try to blame the cyclists out there.
What an insensitive and unnecessary comment.

[chorister]

To Bathtub - well, I did make sure there was a clear space, by paying attention to the technology fitted to my car.

I'm sorry, but it's nothing to do with being sensitive or insensitive, but rather to do with everyone on the road being as safe as possible.  Commonsense goes a long way, and also have a look at Rules 72 and 73 in the Highway Code.

[ntyson]

My husband, who is luckily a doctor, was right there when it happened. He saw her helmet and bike under the wheels and stopped the lorry. He was the first one under the lorry to help this lady. He has seen a number of awful things in his time, but even he arrived home covered in blood and was pretty traumatised. Luckily another 2 doctors were on the seen before the helicopter and ambulances arrived. 

It was a horrible accident and we are so relieved the lady is alive and has some function in her arm. 

I was not there myself and I will make no comment on how it happened (in terms of fault). For those wanting the location details the lorry was turning left into the Tesco car park very slowly and the cyclist was pulled under the wheels on the left side.

[Bathtub]

What, common sense like checking your blind spot and looking over your shoulder, instead of relying on your car's sensors? Right...

[chorister]

Bathtub - but the sensors, which I paid to have fitted to provide additional safety, worked.  Why do you think it's called a blind spot?  Opening the driver's door "the Dutch way" (if you don't know what that is, look it up) certainly helps safety and everyone should be encouraged to do it.  The passenger side though is much harder.  And cyclists have responsibility too.

[juliantenniscoach]

I'm a driver but cycle more miles than I drive in a year for sure.  I never go on the inside of a lorry/bus/hgv when there is a junction.  It's almost impossible to view all the angles from the driver's point of view.  Rule No.1 - self preservation.  I wish the victim a full recovery.

[Bathtub]

Bathtub - but the sensors, which I paid to have fitted to provide additional safety, worked.  Why do you think it's called a blind spot?  Opening the driver's door "the Dutch way" (if you don't know what that is, look it up) certainly helps safety and everyone should be encouraged to do it.  The passenger side though is much harder.  And cyclists have responsibility too.

I have no idea what point you're trying to make, other than further proving your weren't looking at your blind spot when turning, placing the blame squarely at your feet.
If you know anything about cycling in the Netherlands, you'd know that cars are always at fault. The Dutch reach is taught for a reason - bikes are king of the road. I would love the UK to make 1/10 of the effort of NL to respect and encourage cycling.

[dudette]

This is not a comment on this poor lady, whom I wish a speedy recovery, but I have had several near misses with cyclists owing to their clothing. If it’s a dark day (or worse, at night) I find it can be difficult to spot a cyclist if they’re wearing dark clothes and a black helmet. Please cyclists - wear a high vis jacket or something bright when you’re out. And as for those who cycle on the road at night without lights....

[NoodleFan]

Bikes are “king of the road”? Is that why they repeatedly go through the traffic lights on red at the Broomwood Rd / Northcote Rd junction?

Best wishes to the poor woman - I will donate some money now.