Help wanted - Edinburgh Fife commuters

chewa

Strange request.

I commute from Fife to Edinburgh every day and pass a good few commuters doing that.

I ride a black Sandy Gilchrist frame and yesterday was wearing a yellow goretex top with hi viz tabard (with a distinctive evolution of man - cyclist on the rear), knee length bibs and had a flashing front light with a 12 and 20 w lumicycle at front, fixed rear light on seatpost with flashing Cateye LD600 at the rear of my rack, a flashing led on the rear of my yellow Giro helmet and a flashing ankle band. One pannier on left side. I usually say hello or nod

Why the detail?

I'm hoping someone saw me either walking or cycling somewhere between the turn off off the cyclepath at the A90 (FRB road) through Dalmeny or near the bridge.

I was involved in an accident last night and can only remember leaving the cyclepath and climbing the hill towards dalmeny house gates, and then being at the bridge (south side) where the guys noticed i seemed confused, took me in and transported me and bike home.

I left Edinburgh at about 5.20 and was at the bridge about 6.40 so I've effectively "lost" about 30 mins.

I have a facial injury (suspected fractured orbital ridge) swollen cheek and jaw, my helmet has heavy damage on the right front, my right ankle has abrasions as does my right calf just under the knee. Much mud and dirt on right leg but hip untouched.

One of my right ribs has also been quite badly bashed.

The bike is straight and true showing no damage except some scuffing to the handlebar tape on the left side!

I know the road like the back of my hand and can't work out what happened. I have no idea how I got to the bridge.!

Did anyone see me cycling or walking that route? I'd just like some idea what happened. Initial thought is that maybe I've been clipped by a vehicle or hit something in the dark, but my lights are superb and I do 5000 miles a year on that commute so know it well.

Apart from a lot of pain, swollen face and some double vision (being checked again after the swelling goes down) I'm v lucky. Some recovery time and a new helmet and i'll be back on the road in a week or two (I hope)

If you saw a confused middle aged guy walking a bike - tell me where.

Ta.

londonlivvy

Crikey. Seems unnerving. And sorry I can't help you as I'm based in London.

But... rather cheekily, can I ask your advice about that cycle route please? I'm visiting Edinburgh this weekend and am planning to cycle over to Rosyth to see an aged relative and have no idea about the right route to take by bike (I've done it by car innumerable times but not sure I'd fancy those routes on a bike). Hints and tips v.welcome.

thanks.

chewa

londonlivvy wrote:

Crikey. Seems unnerving. And sorry I can't help you as I'm based in London.

But... rather cheekily, can I ask your advice about that cycle route please? I'm visiting Edinburgh this weekend and am planning to cycle over to Rosyth to see an aged relative and have no idea about the right route to take by bike (I've done it by car innumerable times but not sure I'd fancy those routes on a bike). Hints and tips v.welcome.

thanks.

This is one route - a mix of road and cyclepath from Edinburgh to the bridge
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?hl=en& ... 75002&z=12

always_tyred

Sorry - cant help, although I know that area quite well. If its the road I think it is its horrible to cycle on because people burst off the dual carriageway, which they've usually be help up in traffic on.

How are your wheels, and the alignment of your bars? I've crunched into pot holes in the dark and put nicks in rims and twisted the bars down. It would be very easy to come down or go over the top in a similar incident and there might be some telltale damage.

Its also worth remembering that it was a howling gale here last night, which can put you on slightly different lines than normal, or leave big branches in the road and so on.

It all sounds pretty dreadful - but heartening that someone helped you out.

chewa

Always Tyred wrote:

Sorry - cant help, although I know that area quite well. If its the road I think it is its horrible to cycle on because people burst off the dual carriageway, which they've usually be help up in traffic on.

How are your wheels, and the alignment of your bars? I've crunched into pot holes in the dark and put nicks in rims and twisted the bars down. It would be very easy to come down or go over the top in a similar incident and there might be some telltale damage.

Its also worth remembering that it was a howling gale here last night, which can put you on slightly different lines than normal, or leave big branches in the road and so on.

It all sounds pretty dreadful - but heartening that someone helped you out.

That's the wierd thing, bike unmarked - no sign of it having been along the ground, computer, lights etc all still correctly mounted, pedals unscuffed, bars straight and saddle untouched.

Only marks on me (other than face0 were to rear of right calf, right thigh and outer right ankle!

Wife thinks it's an alien abduction.

londonlivvy

Thanks for the route tip - one small query - it looks like it's going on/alongside the very scary A90 at one point which I think might make me old before my time. Is there a cyclepath?

If all too scary I'll get the train but given the cakes I'll no doubt have to eat, I think I could use the exercise...

always_tyred

londonlivvy wrote:

Thanks for the route tip - one small query - it looks like it's going on/alongside the very scary A90 at one point which I think might make me old before my time. Is there a cyclepath?

If all too scary I'll get the train but given the cakes I'll no doubt have to eat, I think I could use the exercise...

Its a cycle path behind the armco barriers. When you cross the river at Crammond (by a pub) you come up a short and steep rise and emerge by the A90, adjacent to the back entrance to the Dalmeny Estate. The bike path starts right there and its pretty easy to spot.

I'm told that, not withstanding the "thou shall not pass signs", you can also enter the Dalmeny Estate there and follow a coastal route to South Queensferry, emerging under the rail bridge. I've never tried it but its on my list of things to do in another life with more time.

As an alternative to going through Dalmeny, you can also continue down to the water and along the high street in Queensferry, which is very pictureskew. From there you can follow the Hopetoun Road, which takes you to the cycle path up to the bridge.

londonlivvy

Thanks people - and apologies chewa for hyjacking your thread.

I may do the scenic route on the way back, depending on time. Had vague ambitions of going the very long way round on the way back (ie via Kincardine bridge) but think I may run out of time. Boo. Next time.

always_tyred

chewa wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Sorry - cant help, although I know that area quite well. If its the road I think it is its horrible to cycle on because people burst off the dual carriageway, which they've usually be help up in traffic on.

How are your wheels, and the alignment of your bars? I've crunched into pot holes in the dark and put nicks in rims and twisted the bars down. It would be very easy to come down or go over the top in a similar incident and there might be some telltale damage.

Its also worth remembering that it was a howling gale here last night, which can put you on slightly different lines than normal, or leave big branches in the road and so on.

It all sounds pretty dreadful - but heartening that someone helped you out.

That's the wierd thing, bike unmarked - no sign of it having been along the ground, computer, lights etc all still correctly mounted, pedals unscuffed, bars straight and saddle untouched.

Only marks on me (other than face0 were to rear of right calf, right thigh and outer right ankle!

Wife thinks it's an alien abduction.

When you are well enough, perhaps retrace the route. You might either be able to spot your own impact crater, or the scorch marks at the landing site.

always_tyred

londonlivvy wrote:

Thanks people - and apologies chewa for hyjacking your thread.

I may do the scenic route on the way back, depending on time. Had vague ambitions of going the very long way round on the way back (ie via Kincardine bridge) but think I may run out of time. Boo. Next time.

Its a bloody long way to the Kinkardine Bridge - its about 35-40 mins on the motorway if that puts it in any context - and there's not much in between. Also, on the other side, the towns are all squeezed up against the Ochil Hills so there aren't many routes to choose from and so the main road is not a good cycling one.

UnworthyPapaLazaru

Very strange Chewa. Im in Edinburgh and witnessed the afermath of an accident yesterday, but not your one.

I hope it comes back to you.

Eat My Dust

Sorry to hear about your accident. Saying that, if I have an off, yours sounds the way to go, as in not remembering anything!!

wgwarburton

londonlivvy wrote:

I may do the scenic route on the way back, depending on time. Had vague ambitions of going the very long way round on the way back (ie via Kincardine bridge) but think I may run out of time. Boo. Next time.

and AlwaysTyred responded:
> Its a bloody long way to the Kinkardine Bridge - its about 35-40 mins on the motorway if that puts it in any context - and there's not much in between. Also, on the other side, the towns are all squeezed up against the Ochil Hills so there aren't many routes to choose from and so the main road is not a good cycling one.

I'd have to second that, it isn't terribly scenic, though there are probably some interesting little roads to explore near the shore, if you have lots of time. Note that the new Clackmannanshire bridge has just opened, which will take most of the traffic off the adjacent Kincardine crossing. There's some good stuff to see around here- Culross, the Boness & Kinneil railway, the Union Canal etc. but I'm not sure a bike and a tight timescale are the best way to take them in! Get a train to Falkirk instead and ride back to Edinburgh on the towpath from the Wheel.

Cheers,
W.

always_tyred

WGWarburton wrote:

londonlivvy wrote:

I may do the scenic route on the way back, depending on time. Had vague ambitions of going the very long way round on the way back (ie via Kincardine bridge) but think I may run out of time. Boo. Next time.

and AlwaysTyred responded:
> Its a bloody long way to the Kinkardine Bridge - its about 35-40 mins on the motorway if that puts it in any context - and there's not much in between. Also, on the other side, the towns are all squeezed up against the Ochil Hills so there aren't many routes to choose from and so the main road is not a good cycling one.

I'd have to second that, it isn't terribly scenic, though there are probably some interesting little roads to explore near the shore, if you have lots of time. Note that the new Clackmannanshire bridge has just opened, which will take most of the traffic off the adjacent Kincardine crossing. There's some good stuff to see around here- Culross, the Boness & Kinneil railway, the Union Canal etc. but I'm not sure a bike and a tight timescale are the best way to take them in! Get a train to Falkirk instead and ride back to Edinburgh on the towpath from the Wheel.

Cheers,
W.

you forgot the antonine wall.

chewa

Always Tyred wrote:

chewa wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Sorry - cant help, although I know that area quite well. If its the road I think it is its horrible to cycle on because people burst off the dual carriageway, which they've usually be help up in traffic on.

How are your wheels, and the alignment of your bars? I've crunched into pot holes in the dark and put nicks in rims and twisted the bars down. It would be very easy to come down or go over the top in a similar incident and there might be some telltale damage.

Its also worth remembering that it was a howling gale here last night, which can put you on slightly different lines than normal, or leave big branches in the road and so on.

It all sounds pretty dreadful - but heartening that someone helped you out.

That's the wierd thing, bike unmarked - no sign of it having been along the ground, computer, lights etc all still correctly mounted, pedals unscuffed, bars straight and saddle untouched.

Only marks on me (other than face0 were to rear of right calf, right thigh and outer right ankle!

Wife thinks it's an alien abduction.

When you are well enough, perhaps retrace the route. You might either be able to spot your own impact crater, or the scorch marks at the landing site.

The problem I have is I have no knowledge of how I got from the road to Dalmeny to the FRB. Was hoping someone might have seen me and at least could have let me know which route I had taken.

always_tyred

Its an unusual situation, that's for sure.

If its any consolation, I've knocked myself out twice cycling (you would have thought once was enough to persuade me to wear a helmet, wouldn't you?) and in both cases - neither of which anywhere near as bad as yours - I had a memory gap, which I eventually filled.

So you never know.

gavintc

Christ - lots of sympathies. I do hope someone can help and give you some advice. I commute via the Kirkliston to Barnton road coming into town and did not see anything.

Tetedelacourse

Sweet Jesus Chewa! Glad you've come through that one.

Firstly sorry I can't help you. I go A8000 nowadays. Plus been off my bike a fair bit of late anyways.

I know a few people who live in the area, some on the actual,or should I say, possible route and will ask around on your behalf though. Have you called the police to check for enquiries? A long shot I know but you never know.

I don't know what to make of it from your description. At first it does seem like someone or something must have clipped you, but then I'd expect damage to the rear of your helmet or your back. I reckon more something on the road that's thrown the bike left and you've come down on your right heavily. No scuffing on your pedals or shoes?

Of course there is another possibility, that you've had a turn. I guess you'll already have thought of that possibility, but gang warily mate.

Wish you a speedy recovery.

Tete


p.s. Thanks to Mr Grumpy for posting link to this over in CC

chewa

Thanks Tete

I've been the A8000 a few times recently. As I've now built a fixie will probably use it a bit to miss the climb to Dalmeny - but I guess it may be a week or two before my rib is well enough for me to ride in.

The lack of damage to the bike (and the fact that my lights are really good - I use the 20 w lumi if lighting not good) makes me think it unlikely I've hit anything like a pothole - wheels and tyres unmarked straight true - I cleaned the bike last weekend for first time in months and the bars saddle etc show no signs of being down the road. Hoods, levers, lights, computer, ff pump all present and correct

There was slight scuffing on the outside of my right shoe, and it's my outer right ankle that has abrasions and outer rear of my right calf with mud on that and my outer thigh. But my right hip, shoulder, elbow unmarked - even my yellow top not muddy at all! I would have expected them to be the contact point if I'd gone down on the right ( Campag preservation would have kicked in if given a chance - I'd always try to protect the expensive bits and land on the left ! )

Right side of helmet, right cheekbone (orbital fracture) and fractured rib on right.

I wonder whether something clipped my leg and pushed me over into the verge and I've gone over the bars.

The injuries will heal, but the thing that bothers me is theres about 2-3 miles of road and 30 - 40 mins of time from my last memory until i spoke to the guy at the bridge - and even now I can't remember getting there.

Sis has checked with L&B police - nothing reported, Doc at A&E checked Fife police - nothing.

I hope I haven't had a turn - no indication of that - it looks like i have hit something or somethings hit me.

You know that route well - even in winter a lot of us commuters still using it - I just wondered if anyone saw me walking the bike or cycling. The blank bit is the worrying bit!!

No doubt we'll cross paths sometime in the future. take care

londonlivvy

Had a random (if long-shot) thought about this as I rode home last night - worth asking the council for CCTV images??

If you know roughly where you were they might be able to help?

crossborderreiver

Hello,
I was wondering if perhaps your bike skidded sideways.
I came off on Monday night on a wooden bridge on a railway track (Sustrans route). It's a route I ride regularly and in all weathers and I hadn't had any problems until this week. The bridge has a broad strip of roughend surface which usually gives good grip.

When I went back the next morning I could see what had happened. The strip of roughened surface wasn't actually in a straight line, it snaked ever so slightly. In the dark, I approach the bridge from the right where the path is firm. When I got onto the bridge, the bike was on the rough surface for about the length of the bike but then the surface bent away to the left. When the wheel hit the unsurfaced bit, the bike disappeared from under me. I went down so quick there was no sensation of falling. I just suddenly hit the ground. Fortunately I wasn't knocked out but after reading your post it made me think that if I had been, I wouldn't have a clue what had happened.

There was no damage to my bike except a scuff on the end of the left brake lever and the handlebars had twisted round a fraction, (straight handlebars). I fell to the left, sort of still on the bike. My left knee, elbow and shoulder took most force of the fall. The bruises are colouring up nicely and I have a very painful shoulder and neck but don't think I've broken anything so I consider myself very lucky.

habibi

Chewa,

Wasnt that the first night of the road closure on the road into Dalmeny, after you've turned left at the top of the hill?

I stayed in Edinburgh on wednesday night, but cycled back to fife on thursday night, and a long section of the unlit road into Dalmeny is blocked with big hills of earth with just enough room to get a bike through, on the right side of the road.

You've mentioned much mud and dirt, i think you might have taken a leap over the bars around there. Presumably you've not since been back around that road since the accident, but if you do, you'll see what i mean.

Hope you have a speedy recovery mate

habibi

PS - The road into Dalmeny at the top of the hill is shut to traffic from Wednesday November 19th right up to mid December.

I found it quite hard going to get through to Dalmeny on the night of thursday 20th, its certainly dangerous in the dark even with good lights since the diggers have been in digging up the road, and will be using the Kirkliston / Queen Elizabeth yard route instead, though I usually only take that route on the way into Edinburgh.

nwallace

ick, the timing 40 mins for 3 miles, sounds like you've been walking slowly.
Have only done these roads twice, PfS 2007 and Ed->StA 2007. My memory says that road is fairly bumpy, and in your direction mostly uphill.

Brain dump follows:

Were your lights working when you came round?
A lighting failure could explain a crash with a pot hole or aggregate bung.

Have the docs checked you over in case you have had a Transient Ischemic Attack (Mini-Stroke)? If not treated more or a full blown Stroke are likely.

With injuries being on the right without the bike being damaged makes me think you hit the side of the road on the right.

It's been fairly cold (in Dundee at least) recently, Black Ice?, Frozen Mud?

Animal strike? would need to be to either your right leg or rear wheel to get you falling in the right manner for the injuiries, you may have fallen attached to the bike and taken the blows for it.

If you left any damage in the verges it may still be there (Anyone passing may not notice as they aren't looking), you could try tracing the route.... Get someone to drive you.

chewa

Thanks all.

Habibi, yes, that was the first night of the closure but have no memory of turning onto that road. Would have thought if I'd hit earth bike would have been dirty or at least my top would have been.

Saw maxillofacial consultant today - he reckons I have been hit (or hit) something very hard to cause damage to my orbit. Got to see an ophthalmologist tomorrow now!

lost_in_thought

Chewa, scary stuff. I was thinking about this too - could it be possible that something came off a vehicle or was deliberately thrown at you or similar? Just reading in the news about youths throwing concrete blocks through car windows and the like...

:shock:

gb155

Very scary stuff man, I hope it comes back to you and its nothing long term.

Stay Safe

Gaz

nielsamd

I think you got clipped by a wing mirror while looking/glancing back. Maybe your leg got clipped by a bit of the vehicle as well. Hope it goes well for you!