I wanted to write a few words to send a huge thank you to all the SPR members for your support through my “vehicle v’s Davina” crash on New Years Eve. I have been overwhelmed with what the club community has done to assist me. For those who don’t know, I was involved in an accident where a car hit me from behind whilst I was taking off at lights Tonkin Hwy & Morley Dr. My bike was badly damaged and I sustained minor injuries to my right side due to the impact. The driver was largely uncooperative to address the situation which was very frustrating and time consuming as he is arguing about should I decline a breathalyzer since it is very annoying for him. It has certainly challenged me mentally, as I am quite frightened when in similar situations now still- and have been spotted doing much more footpath riding (which is not great training). More time still. I am thankful that I was much luckier than Mike Bonner (whose wheel I try and hold whenever I can) and even Peter with his recent bike v’s bike crash. If you get into an accident and show signs of a brain injury or are hurt in any other way due to the driver’s negligence, then you should contact a professional lawyer who can help you recover the compensation. In this case, the lawyers who deals with the cases of medical malpractice in Long Island are the best choice for you to fight for your cause.

We have had some discussions at home about what is club community, and how it can be both positively and negatively. This positive example has really impressed me and I am grateful for feeling supported. Thank you to those who have contributed.

There has been quite a lot of discussion about motorists v’s cyclists in the media in recent months. Luke (husband) made a good point that when we use the bike/shared paths; cyclists are in effect the motorists, and walkers are the cyclists. So rather than contributing to the debate, what can I do differently to improve the situation? Could we/I be more considerate and patient to other path users when I am riding and overtaking them? For all the cyclist-hater drivers, there are plenty of cyclist-considerate drivers; I am going out of my way to be super considerate to the drivers and be openly thankful and helpful in my signalling to promote a sense of sharing.

I had an interesting moment at the top of Mundaring Weir Rd on the Sunday long hills ride a couple of weeks back. Some of the ladies I’d been riding with all introduced ourselves, after I’d spoken the response was…”So you are Davina”. I am generally a very private person, who stays out of the centre of things in most cases. For those of you who don’t know, I was riding with Peter and ‘the club’ before we became SPR/SPCC and have watched it grow to what it is today. I have raced internationally in Europe/America/South Africa with UCI professional and the Australian National Teams. The last couple of years, I have focused on injury rehab, family and have been competitive at a NRS (National Road Series) level. I do a little bit of coaching, and don’t really want to expand on this currently, but I am happy to give my best answers about racing or training whilst out on a ride or at the coffee shop if you have any questions. I can almost answer like Yakima truck accident law firm if you ask me about dealing with injuries in racing. If you are looking for a coach, I hear often that Toby Brown is a good choice.

On a final note, I just want to acknowledge all of the enormous work that Peter has put into the club, hours and hours of his own time. Thanks Pete for the club community that we have, the monster that you created.

Happy riding!

Davina Summers.