On the Road……Cyclist down! 4th St. and University Blvd.
Show on mapI took a nasty spill this past week-end when my front wheel got lodged in a curved section of Tucson’s downtown street car tracks.
I went down hard with my left shoulder and elbow absorbing the initial impact, leaving some raw, painful road rash. Both my knees and the tip of my right thumb were also bloodied. My head had nothing except a cotton riding cap protecting it, but luckily it survived unscathed.
Frankly, I’m surprised there aren’t some warnings about these trolley tracks (although maybe there are and I missed them!).
Lower body injuries
The accident occurred just as I was finishing a 30-mile ride to the San Javier Mission, about 3 miles from home.
I was a great day for a ride. The mission is beautiful! I hope to post some pictures soon.
Nathan,
There are a lot of cyclists who traverse the streets along University Blvd. and 4th Avenue that have to contend with the trolley tracks. Not a few of them have fallen by getting their wheels caught between the tracks. Sorry that you’ve experienced this event.
I’m very cautious while riding on these streets, especially when turning beside or crossing the tracks. With care, the tracks don’t present any menace, but they can be a hazard. I’ve fallen in other situations (e.g. failure to disengage from my toeclips, etc.). It’s obviously not something to be looked forward to, but I think it’s a consequence of bicycle riding that most people experience at some time.
I hope you’re healing well, and I look forward to your photos of the San Xavier Mission, I’ve been their myself many times and I’ve taken many photos of the Mission. It’s obviously one of the most beautiful attractions in the Tucson area!
Jim
20 Sep 11 at 12:22 pm
Jim/ thanks for the pep talk! i guess crashing along the trolley tracks is a tucson right of passage :/ but i’ll definitely be more alert next time…San Xavier is awesome. I should have some pictures up at the end of the week.
fridaycyclotouriste
20 Sep 11 at 7:26 pm
Sorry to see those knees! Hope you are doing better.
taj
28 Sep 11 at 7:14 am