turning a blind eye

[smilingcat]

Even if you can't give actual assistance to fix mechanical problem, flats, or first aid, it would be a very nice to stop and ask. If you carry a cell phone, you could call the distressed rider's SO... And I'm always grateful when people stop to ask.

My first major crash where I shattered my right collar bone (Clavicle to you doctor types), crushed and shattered my helmet, I really appreciated all those who went and called the paramedics, and those who helped me get my bottle of water. It was a blistering hot day. And with shattered collar bone I really couldn't move around without the blinding pain and those who got my bottle of water and poured water into my mouth I am ever so grateful.

And I have vivid memories of EMTs grousing about how the drivers were not slowing down when they drove by the ambulance. I was afraid for the EMT's and me to get hit by one of the cars whizzing by us. It would be very nice if cars would slow down around an ambulance.

So thank you to all those who regularly stop and ask.

damsel in distress (not now )

[Aggie_Ama]

Yes, in a heart beat and I ask if I see someone with a flat if they have everything they need. One day I had three flats, another cyclist gave me a CO2 AND a tube. I consider any help I provide paying it forward.

Some make you feel better stories locally:

1. Just last week the former president of the local road cycling club collapsed on a ride with a heart attack. A motorist stopped and administered CPR, the cyclist is recovering the hospital not in a coffin. He has a long way to go (I think he was in a coma) but he is alive because someone stopped.

2. One of my husband's teammates wrecked hard last year racing in the Cat 1/Pro Category. Another cyclist gave up his race because the guy who wrecked was bleeding and injured. He checked on the racer, helped him out of a trail then rode to alert a course marshal. Turned out he had broke a bone (I think) and had a concussion. Sorry no race is worth the possibility that a rider is seriously injured.

3. Years back (2004?) my husband wrecked commuting home from school. He was really out of it and some girl walking by asked if he needed her to call anyone. Campus medics were already on the way but she called me so I could meet him at the hospital. She was late to class but the really sweet thing, she called me that night to check on him. Nice, genuine person.

No matter what I am riding for (commuting, racing, pleasure) I would check on someone. They don't have to be bleeding, if they are down it takes 5 seconds to ask "are you okay?" I think it really stinks that people passed you by. Glad to see it is not regional, I believe most people would ask.