Helmet saved my life, says cyclist trapped under car in Spitalfields
The scene in Commercial Street last night shows the car on its side Picture: Annaleena Piel Linna (@Concledoc/Twitter) - Credit: Archant
A cyclist who was trapped under a car has revealed that a helmet she bought on a whim saved her life.
Claire Pepper sustained a broken collarbone in the accident Picture: (claire_pepper/Twitter - Credit: Archant
Claire Pepper, 27, was cycling home to South London last night when she was involved in a collision with a car in Commercial Street at the junction with Hanbury Street in Spitalfields.
It left her trapped under the car which was lifted by a group of 10 bystanders who helped free Claire.
Speaking from The Royal London Hospital, where she was taken, Claire said: “I’m in a bit of pain as the pain killers have worn off. I have a broken collarbone and some bruises but I feel pretty lucky.
“I don’t have any recollection of the accident at all.”
Claire, a fashion photographer, said she owes her life to the new helmet she bought recently on a whim. She said: “Its the first time I have worn it. I just bought it on a whim and I was thinking I should have asked for it for Christmas but I’m glad I did buy it.”
Claire said she was “super grateful” to the people who lifted the car off her.
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Her boyfriend Jonathan Gales, 27, who was at her bedside, urged other cyclists to wear their helmets. He said: “It definitely saved her life. It was a brand new helmet and it was absolutely smashed, her head was stuck under the car.”
