Cyclist suffers major injuries after a passenger in a passing car shoved him

Reporter: Judith Grinter

Last Saturday a fit cyclist was assaulted by a passenger in a passing car whilst cycling in the area. The cyclist has sustained injuries that have called for an operation and thousands of pounds in hospital bills.

Matthew Beasley, from Glossop, was enjoying a New Year cycle ride that took him up through Holmfirth, over to Slaithwaite, Sowerby Bridge, through Denshaw and dropping down onto Oldham Road. He came to a slight incline in the road and slowed at which time a car that had started to overtake him also slowed to his pace.

Matthew told Saddleworth News and Life : “I felt an almighty shove and fell sideways onto the side of the road. It came out of no-where. The car then sped off and I didn’t even get a chance to see what colour it was yet alone read its number plate. I was too stunned and in pain.”

A couple, who saw Matthew on the pavement, pulled over, checked on him and called an ambulance. “A very kind lady let me into her house nearby where I stayed for a while until my girlfriend then arrived to take me to hospital. I am very grateful to these helpful people and their kindness helps me to think most people are good. ” said Matthew.

Since the accident Matthew has had an operation to have a plate fitted to help the healing of a broken collar bone.  It was also found, under x-ray, that he had 3 broken ribs. He’s back up and walking now, but has been told he can’t go back to work for a couple more weeks.

“I’m concerned about my fitness as I did well last year to improve on it and have been really enjoying my cycling. Hopefully I can get back to it soon.

“I want people to be aware of the incident. It’s a shame there are people around playing such pranks and I hope if they read this they’ll realise how costly such ‘fun’ can be in time and money, as well as pain! To other cyclists I strongly recommend if you have a camera put it on just in case. ”

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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