Bruce Hermann, Congratulations!!
Bruce got back on his bike for a meaningful 1,000 ft ride. It has only been six months since his accident, which left him in a 3-week coma with internal injuries and broken bones.
Always the advocate, Bruce had this to say to The Winston Journal regarding the Winston-Salem Police Department not to citing the driver: “They talked to me for about an hour giving all the reasons why they weren’t going to cite her,” he said. “Essentially I was told that if you live in Winston-Salem you shouldn’t ride a bike after dark because it’s ‘risky’ and that it wouldn’t be worth the effort because (the driver) would probably just end up with a small fine.”
Charlotte is no different and I understand his frustration. Remind me to include Winston when we mobilize….
Bruce Original Post: Bruce Hermann, Get Well Soon
March 2, 2009
Bruce Hermann, 58, of Winston-Salem, a commuter for over thirty years was hit from behind by a car. He is currently at Wake Forrest Hospital in critical condition. The accident happened about 7:30 p.m. Feb. 21 when the driver, traveling 35 mph on Country Club Road at Jonestown Road, failed to slowed down. The road was clear and Bruce was appropriately lit with lights. The officer on the scene did not issue a citation to the driver. I hope the matter is fully investigated and the district attorney pursues any appropriate charges.
Bruce went to UC Davis, advocates for bicycle safety, runs a shop and organizes rides. I wish the best for Bruce and his wife and family. His friends are posting notes here.
I was happy to see that the on-line story in the Wiston-Salem Journal contained only positive user comments and wishes. Imagine the hate comments that would be posted in the Charlotte Observer [GotServed'r].
March 2, 2009 at 10:45 pm
Hi Bruce, March 2, 2008
Get well soon. Lois and I read about your accident in the Winston Salem Journal. I left a message on your home phone offering to help in any way I can. I have been testing the Safe-T-Trike delta frame on the private road at Nanzetta Lewisville. It will take me a while to add the aerodynamic body. I plan to have some unique safety features such as preinflated air bags, fold down crash bars, 4 point harness, fold down rear bagage carrier that is aerodynamic and also increases the rear crumple length, adustable roll bar, etc. I have so many lights that it looks like a police vehicle. I have tested the trike up to 27 mph and it handles well. I need to do some more work on the prototype before I add the electric assist and take it up to the design speed of 35 mph. I am designing the trike so a person can walk away from a 35 mph crash without injury.
Your friend,
Don
Don Gerhardt, Lewisville, NC
March 3, 2009 at 8:40 am
Get well soon indeed. That is two tragic events to experienced cyclists in the area within the year. Now more than ever we need to fight for our rights to the road and refute that our mere presence there contributes to the cause of the accident in any way. Best wishes to all and ride safe…
March 5, 2009 at 10:21 am
Bruce,
As a friend of Claire’s and as the wife of a lifelong cyclist, I am praying for your complete and speedy recovery. I know what that phone call sounds like, and my heart goes out to you and your family. But I see the fighting spirit that you’ve passed on to your daughter, and I know that you will bring that formidable strength to bear, as you make your way back to health.