Cyclist seriously injured in WB road crash
Cayman Islands Hospital, George Town
(CNS): A cyclist was taken to hospital Friday morning after yet another collision on Grand Cayman’s roads that resulted in someone being seriously injured. Police said that the crash between the bicycle and a car happened at around 8:30am, though at the time of the release they were unable to confirm exactly when the incident occurred on the West Bay Road near to Wendy’s fastfood restaurant. Police are now conducting an investigation into the collision and the RCIPS said further information would be released shortly.
Category: Local News
I saw Kirky had a bicycle on Friday, and was riding it down West Bay Road. For his sake hopefully he left it somewhere and someone has stolen it.
The cyclist was wearing a helmet, travelling the correct way and aware that it is necessary to be aware of what is happening around him at all times. As a cyclist (and car driver) myself I am aware that both cyclists and car drivers can be very inconsiderate of each other and lose concentration from time to time but people need to remember if they are driving a car they have massive protection around them – a metal box, airbags etc – whereas on a bike we are completely vulnerable. Please think about cyclists, pedestrians and motor bikes when driving your car.
How do you know that the cyclist was “aware that it is necessary to be aware of what is happening at all times”? Are you a mind reader or its this just bias being portrayed as fact?
The majority of Cayman’s drivers seem to be aware of themselves and themselves only when on our roads, have you navigated a roundabout, rush hour traffic or noticed the abysmal standard on daily basis on your travels?
Perhaps you are one of those who notices nothing around them making the rest of our lives a game of chance when we get on the road?
because he is my husband and has been cycling regularly for on roads for very many years without an accident … until now.l
Sending good wishes for a speedy recovery to your husband
There needs to be a sustained Road Safety Campaign in Cayman, not just a few proactive measures now and again. I would hope that all of the relevant organizations (MattSafe, Road Safety Advisory Council, NRA, RCIPS, Driver Instructors, Insurance Companies, etc.) would get together and make a comprehensive plan. I’m sure they could get 12 concerned companies or organizations to each sponsor one month per year. They need to get into the schools to talk about road safety for pedestrians and cyclists. They need to get into the upper high school years as well as UCCI to talk about road safety. There needs to be constant attention on it in the media. There needs to be information available in bars, clubs, restaurants. There needs to be a zero tolerance policy from the RCIPS, all day, every day. With all the talk about new hotels and developments, we really need to look at having a proper public transportation system with larger buses (perhaps the size of the 29 seaters?) instead of the current ones. As we develop our roads we also need many more zones that are friendly to pedestrians and cyclists.
Certain folks need to be instructed how to use a roundabout properly. They use a roundabout like a 4 way stop. But then they don’t even know how to use a 4 way stop properly!
So frustrating!!!
I agree that some “drivers” do not respect cyclists or any other road users. However, cyclists have an obligation to look out for their own safety also – they must ride on the correct side of the road (same side as traffic flow), they should display lights after dark but many, many do not and no Police appear to see these infractions.
Even if these are not illegal they are common-sense safety practices and Police should enforce or at least encourage them.
I wouldn’t dare ride on the same side as traffic – that’s how I got hit. I will never ride a bike in Cayman again. This is a bigger problem that has to do with traffic laws not being followed by 80% of the drivers. Another big thing is cars just pulling over in their lane to park half way in the middle of the lane! If you are not off the road completely then you shouldn’t park there! Just drive by Smith’s Cove any day and you will see this. OR even by paradise restaurant. If a bike has to move into the road because some a-hole can’t walk another 5 meters to their destination they could be hit by a car coming up behind them. Cops never ticket any of these crappy parkers.
i intentionally run cyclist off the road when they ride to close to my lane who knows how many bruises i put on that guy that fell when he heard my car breaks scream out for no reason ?
I hope they are okay. I don’t know if they were wearing a helmet or not but I worry about the amount of cyclists out there that don’t, it’s insane.
Agreed that this is absolute madness. We have got to better Cayman. The more incidences like this happen the more first responders and ambulances we will need.
Just remember that there is NO law enforcement in the Cayman Islands. Just criminal and accident clean up. Drive like you stole it seems to be the norm here.
I would also like to know why West Bay Road is being trenched again! Who gives permission for this to be done, the road now looks like a zebra. Can’t all of the telcos’ share one conduit?
This is madness. Whether the cyclist or vehicle driver is at fault doesn’t matter. The standard of driving on all vehicles is just appalling when considering the small size of this place.
BTW – I am sick and tired of seeing those junk-yard build, illegal and overloaded trailers hauled around the Island. Just saw one again this morning and was about to take a picture. It is mind boggling that police NEVER seems to see any of those. WTH?
Always stuck me as stupid that you an be ticked for having a break light out but seems just fine to haul around a trailer or big added boat that blocks your tail lights.
I nearly knocked a cyclist off his bike yesterday. Just missed him. He was on the wrong side of the road going the wrong way down a highway (dual carriageway). I was pulling out of a side street and did not check for traffic coming from that direction. If I had hit him, would I have been found to have been at fault?
Um yes, you would have been at fault. You’re supposed to look BOTH WAYS before pulling out of a driveway or side street. There are lots of walkers and runners on our roads and they are supposed to walk in the opposite direction of traffic.
Yes, I looked both ways to check for pedestrians but the bicycle was moving at a good pace, much quicker than a person on foot.
Doesn’t matter – a driver is required to determine if it is safe to pull out. If you misjudged the speed the bike is moving or don’t see him = your fault
But don’t worry about being held accountable for it….
And if they try, just play the “I found the Lord” card. Works a treat.
Well you are lucky it wasn’t a pedestian. Didn’t you learn to look both ways. If the cyclist had hit you then he would have been at fault because they are supposed to follow the traffic laws. Good luck on getting any repairs done though. I almost hit a cyclist this morning myself while turning right and he was riding the wrong way. Since most laws are ignored by these idiots why would they follow any traffic laws.
You might find you have problems with US visitors in their rental cars then pal.